All About Jackfruit
Your complete guide to jackfruit - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Jackfruit Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for jackfruit in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
cooked jackfruit (fridge)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or off-smell, visible mold, slimy texture, or unusual discoloration.
How to Check
The smell test is primary for cooked foods. Visually check for mold or any color changes. Touch for sliminess. If in doubt, throw it out.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked jackfruit quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
raw or cooked jackfruit (freezer)6-12 months (quality may degrade after 6 months)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), significant change in texture (e.g., very mushy after thawing), or off-flavors. While safe, quality is reduced.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. Upon thawing, check the texture and smell. If it's overly mushy or has an unpleasant odor, quality is compromised.
Storage Tips
For raw jackfruit, remove seeds and core, cut into desired pieces. Blanching unripe jackfruit for a few minutes before freezing can help preserve texture. For both raw and cooked, store in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.
unopened canned jackfruit (pantry)1-2 years (refer to 'best by' or 'expiration' date on the can)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging, leaking, or severely rusted can; foul odor upon opening.
How to Check
Visually inspect the can for any signs of damage (bulging, dents, leaks, rust). If the can is compromised, discard immediately. Upon opening, if the contents have a strong off-odor or look unusual, discard.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
whole unripe jackfruit (room temperature)3-7 days, can be longer if very green
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, dark brown or black patches on the skin, visible mold growth, a distinct fermented or sour smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the skin for any discoloration, dark patches, or fuzzy mold. Gently press the skin; excessive softness or mushiness indicates spoilage. Smell for any off-odors that are not typical of a fresh fruit.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will slowly ripen at room temperature. If you want to slow down ripening, move it to the fridge once it starts to soften slightly.
whole ripe jackfruit (room temperature)2-5 days once fully ripe
Signs of Spoilage
Very soft or mushy spots, a strong fermented or alcoholic smell (beyond its natural sweet aroma), extensive dark brown/black patches, visible mold.
How to Check
A strong, sweet, fruity aroma is normal for ripe jackfruit. However, a sour, alcoholic, or overly pungent smell indicates spoilage. Visually check for mold or excessive dark, soft areas. Touch for mushiness that goes beyond typical ripeness.
Storage Tips
Consume or process quickly once fully ripe. To extend its life, move it to the refrigerator.
whole ripe jackfruit (fridge)5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness or mushiness, a sour or fermented smell, mold growth, or significant darkening of the skin.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or any unusual discoloration. Smell for off-odors. Touch for areas that are excessively soft or slimy.
Storage Tips
Store in a well-ventilated area of the fridge or loosely wrapped to prevent excessive condensation, which can accelerate spoilage.
cut raw jackfruit (fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Discoloration (darkening, browning, or graying) of the flesh, a slimy or sticky texture, sour or fermented smell, visible mold.
How to Check
Visually inspect the cut surfaces for color changes, slime, or mold. Smell for any off-odors. Touch the flesh for stickiness or sliminess.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to minimize air exposure, prevent drying out, and avoid absorbing fridge odors. The sticky latex can be managed by oiling hands and knives before cutting.
opened canned jackfruit (fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or fermented smell, slimy texture, visible mold growth.
How to Check
Smell for any off-odors. Visually inspect for mold or slime. Check for any changes in color or texture.
Storage Tips
Transfer any unused canned jackfruit (along with its liquid, if applicable) to an airtight, non-metallic container before refrigerating. Do not store in the opened can, as this can impart a metallic taste and potentially react with the food.