Looking for new options sustainable food and of alternatives in vegetarian or vegan diet, the jackfruit has become the fetish fruit. A few months ago, we commented on the origin of the tropical fruit, its characteristics, forms of consumption and we highlighted its low availability in the market.
This previously impossible mission is now possible. Thanks to torn apartthe public is expanding the palate giving it a unique flavor to each dish and satisfying even more the demands of a veggie public that is increasingly numerous. “We are torn to create alternative and novel products. A daring diversity for all dishes” assures the Torn manifesto.
Behind Desgarrados there is a Catalan couple Angel Marín Claus and Begonya Martínez Riera, who upon discovering the fruit versatility they decided to experiment with the ingredient themselves, breaking the barriers of known use of the product up to that time. The first tests were a success and thus they realized the enormous potential that it could have.
Jackfruit resembles pulled pork once cooked and seasoned, due to its ability to “tear apart.” Both wondered: why not transform the recipes that we enjoy so much with the addition of jackfruit and turn traditional ones into innovative ones?
The project began in times of pandemic, with the barbecue version being the first success in the experimental kitchen. The jackfruit represents a unique flavor of the universal world, says Begonya. This occurs because the fruit absorbs very well the flavors of the spices and the condiments of the preparation. Initially in brine, it may seem bland or tasteless, but once seasoned, tasting it, one realizes that it takes on another meaning. Thanks to the fact that it tears and the strands of the fruit are small, the balanced use of condiments achieves a final product with seasoning and identity.
Although the jackfruit is still unknown to the general public, it is slowly going gaining notoriety. At the Vegan Fest Catalunya, when we tasted the product, at first we noticed reluctance or uncertainty, due to the very lack of knowledge of what they were trying. And once they tasted it, the immediate reaction was one of fascination and approval, Begonya muses. Currently, sales are focused on the online and/or retail channel in specialized stores such as Vegans & Bio, Som Vegans, @vegansgranollers, @menja.barcelona and @elraconet.vega, among others, reaching the entire territory.
The fruit for the moment in Spain is not grown in the country. It must be imported from Thailand, where it is grown with a BIO mode, that is, controlled organic farming. This ensures a natural process even though the product arrives in brine, adds Begonya.
Today they are marketed four flavors: bolognese, teriyaki, thai curry and BBQ. The last two are the most acclaimed by the public. The Thai one recovers the flavors of Thailand and abounds in condiments such as dried red chili, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime skin and coriander. Along with a bowl of basmati rice and vegetables, it is wonderful. The BBQ is appreciated between breads in a sandwich, on a pizza or as part of the filling of some tacos. Rich in natural crushed tomato sauce, sweet onion and carrot, it is an invitation to enjoyment for vegans and non-vegans alike.
torn looking diversify the offer on the plate for both a vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous diet. Begonya claims that the jack fruit It is not a substitute for meat, being a starchy fruit. Due to its nutritional properties, its main value is to provide energy and not protein. Differentiating itself from Heura, for example, which does seek a reliable replacement for animal cuts in flavor, texture and nutritional value.
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With respect to future of foodBegonya prioritizes health, supporting and betting on a diet that is as natural as possible, that is less addictive and harmful for the organism.
As a preview, in the kitchen at Desgarrados they are experimenting with the typical flavors of Mexico and Cuba to make some tacos al pastor for example. We will have to be very attentive to the next releases of Desgarrados that promises a revolution thanks to the jackfruit.
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