Jackfruit or Jack Tree gallon plant. The ripe ones are extremely sweet and are used in a variety of dishes, especially sweet preparations. The raw fruit is used widely to make nutritious curries and other spicy recipes. The unripe jackfruit is gaining popularity worldwide as a meat substitute amongst vegetarians and vegans alike. It has been compared to poultry for its meaty texture and meat-like taste making it a versatile substitute for animal protein. There are other healthy vegetarian substitutes for animal protein. The jackfruit tree is well-suited to tropical lowlands, and its fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit, reaching as much as 120 lbs in weight, 36 in in length, and 20 inches in diameter. Hardy in zones 9 (with care) – 11.