My Thought On Watching Jackfruit Opening at Raya, Borough Market
I recently wrote a post about Khanom Krok, and I found out that the shop also runs a Thai supermarket inside Borough Market where they source their ingredients. But that alone wasn't the reason I wanted to come and make a video.
There are plenty of supermarkets in London, but not many where you’ll find jackfruit cut open daily, sugar cane pressed fresh, and exotic fruits you rarely see outside Asia. Raya Grocery at Borough Market is one of those places.
You can even find edible insects
Jackfruit at Raya, Borough Market
When you see a giant spiky fruit at the stall, you might think it’s durian, but there is also a chance that it's jackfruit. Jackfruit is less spikey than Durian. And Raya does a jackfruit opening almost every day at 1:00 PM, and it’s always a crowd-stopper.
What Jackfruit Is
Jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world, reaching up to 40 kilograms. The one they opened today was around 30 kilos. It belongs to the fig and mulberry family, and what’s unique is that it can be eaten in two very different ways:
- Ripe → yellow pods that taste like pineapple, mango, and banana combined.
- Unripe → starchy and mild, often used in curries or cooked as a plant-based meat alternative.
How Jackfruit Is Opened
Watching it being prepared is part of the fun:
- The jackfruit is split open with an oiled knife.
- The sticky pith and fibers are carefully removed.
- Golden pods are pulled out, each holding a large seed.
- The pods are then served fresh to customers.
It’s messy work, but the result is fruit that’s both fascinating to see and delicious to eat.
About Raya
Raya isn’t just a Thai supermarket, It’s a spot for independent brands, pantry staples, and everyday essentials for Thai cooking. From curry pastes to noodles, you’ll find everything you need for home cooking.
Subscribe to continue reading
