# Fruit that tastes like meat **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 25, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947 "2016-08-25T21:27:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nansbread1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/1 "2016-08-25T21:27:54Z")
Is there any fruit in this world that people state tastes like meat, feels like meat and has the texture or consistency of a meat like say beef or chicken. If it also has the protein content of meat so much the better. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/2 "2016-08-25T21:40:43Z")
It’s a fairly easy question to Google. I’m getting a lot of hits for Jackfruit, which I’d never heard of before. Apparently it tastes like pork. > **[The Best Meat Substitute Might Be... A Fruit?](https://food52.com/blog/16795-the-best-meat-substitute-might-be-a-fruit)** > > As "all-natural" as it gets > **[This Dog-Sized Fruit Is What You Should Be Eating Instead of Meat](https://www.outsideonline.com/2013041/fruit-will-be-your-new-favorite-meat-substitute/?scope=anon)** > > Plant-based diet practitioners are going crazy for this Southeast Asian fruit [http://markbittman.com/fruit-eats-like-meat/](http://markbittman.com/fruit-eats-like-meat/) ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2016, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/3 "2016-08-25T23:01:20Z")
Not fruits, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, several mushrooms have a meaty flavor. Though, you might need to experiment. I’ve heard “meaty” applied to a few mushrooms that to me tasted like raw dough (e.g., shiitake), but I have tasted a few that did have a meat-like flavor. Different textures can be achieved through different preparations. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/4 "2016-08-25T23:17:22Z")
[Jackfruit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit) tastes like a cross between a banana, apple, pineapple, and mango. It’s frequently used to sweeten desserts in SE Asian dishes and they make candy from juice concentrate. It seems a stretch to say it tastes like pork… I’ve also seen it used on TV in cooking shows for its sweetness. I haven’t had it myself though. ETA: Visiting those links, the fruit “tastes like pork” when the fruit is preserved in brine then cooked in barbecue sauce. Under those conditions anything will taste like pork. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2016, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/5 "2016-08-25T23:24:55Z")
I find that vegetables like broccoli and asparagus take on a “meaty” if you cook them by roasting. ---
**Author:** ![coremelt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/6 "2016-08-26T00:29:43Z")
Not a fruit, but Quorn makes various meat substitute products made using Mycoprotein from Fusarium venenatum fungus. I’ve eaten most of their products and I can assure you they can be extremely tasty if prepared and cooked correctly, especially if served with garlic / onions and sauce to enhance the flavour. While most people could still tell the difference it’s definitely meaty. > **[Vegetarian & Vegan Products, Meat Free Recipes & News | Quorn](https://www.quorn.co.uk/)** > > Enjoy your favourite vegetarian and vegan recipes with Quorn vegan and vegetarian products. Browse our range & learn how our healthy protein supports a healthy planet. Mostly european but apparently also available in the US and Australia. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/7 "2016-08-26T01:40:27Z")
I have heard that roasting watermelon makes it chewy and meaty. I have never tried this, nor shall I ever. ---
**Author:** ![coremelt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/8 "2016-08-26T01:58:05Z")
> [@Savannah](#): > > I have heard that roasting watermelon makes it chewy and meaty. > > I have never tried this, nor shall I ever. Your loss, it’s pretty good, not exactly meaty but savory for sure. Plenty of recipes, images if you google for it. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/9 "2016-08-26T03:38:43Z")
Ripe ackee has been compared to scrambled eggs, but I don’t know what its protein content actually is. It’s often eaten with saltfish, so I suspect it’s not really a meat substitute itself. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/10 "2016-08-26T03:54:41Z")
> [@coremelt](#): > > Not a fruit, but Quorn makes various meat substitute products made using Mycoprotein from Fusarium venenatum fungus. I’ve eaten most of their products and I can assure you they can be extremely tasty if prepared and cooked correctly, especially if served with garlic / onions and sauce to enhance the flavour. While most people could still tell the difference it’s definitely meaty. > > [http://www.quorn.co.uk/](http://www.quorn.co.uk/) > > Mostly european but apparently also available in the US and Australia. Seitan, which is gluten with the flour starch washed out, is also a popular meat substitute for people who like that kind of thing. It tastes a lot like chicken and has a vaguely comparable texture. ---
**Author:** ![coremelt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/11 "2016-08-26T04:04:34Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Seitan, which is gluten with the flour starch washed out, is also a popular meat substitute for people who like that kind of thing. It tastes a lot like chicken and has a vaguely comparable texture. I’ve had Seitan and the Quorn stuff is much much better. Quorn has sausages, burger patties, “chicken” breasts, and faux “bacon” plus more. None of them taste exactly like the real thing but they all taste different and are tasty in their own right. But yes the Quorn stuff is not exactly cheap, often costing more than real meat. ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/12 "2016-08-26T04:48:24Z")
> [@Nansbread1](#): > > Is there any fruit in this world that people state tastes like meat, feels like meat and has the texture or consistency of a meat like say beef or chicken. > > If it also has the protein content of meat so much the better. While not a fruit, Morel mushrooms have a complex flavor that some have compared to steak. Many people don’t realize that because they are often served with steak. They really are a delicacy, the last batch I had had all that and a little bit of maple syrup flavor, I suppose maybe picked up by nearby trees. Anyway they are delicious. They are mostly wild, not found in stores. ---
**Author:** ![donkeyoatey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47c2d/32.png) [@donkeyoatey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donkeyoatey)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/13 "2016-08-26T04:55:10Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > It seems a stretch to say it tastes like pork… From your link: > [@](#): > > …It is especially sought-after by vegetarians who substitute this for meat; hence, is nicknamed gacch-patha (tree-mutton)… > Because unripe jackfruit has a meat-like taste, it is used in curry dishes with spices in Bihar, Jharkhand, Sri Lankan, Andhran, eastern Indian (Bengali), (Odisha), and Keralan cuisines… > Young jackfruit has a mild flavor and distinctive meat-like texture and is compared to poultry… ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/14 "2016-08-26T05:42:57Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > While not a fruit, Morel mushrooms have a complex flavor that some have compared to steak. Many people don’t realize that because they are often served with steak. They really are a delicacy, the last batch I had had all that and a little bit of maple syrup flavor, I suppose maybe picked up by nearby trees. Anyway they are delicious. They are mostly wild, not found in stores. [Beefsteak fungus](https://morrie2.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fistulina_red1.jpg) _looks_ uncannily like steak both raw and cooked. I’ve heard people say it tastes meaty too, but I’ve tried it twice and didn’t find it meaty, or particularly enjoyable. [Chicken-of-the-woods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laetiporus) is one that most people do seem to agree on its meatiness. I’ve yet to be lucky enough to find one of these. My search continues… ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/15 "2016-08-26T12:06:08Z")
Morels certainly have a very complex flavor, probably more complex than steak, but it’s not at all _like_ steak. Personally, I found the flavor quite unpleasant. And when you say that something is “sought after by vegetarians because it tastes like meat”, then you’re introducing a huge selection effect: It tastes like meat to those people who have the least idea what meat actually tastes like. Now, when something is sought after by meat-eaters because it tastes like meat, give me a call then. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/16 "2016-08-26T12:24:55Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > And when you say that something is “sought after by vegetarians because it tastes like meat”, then you’re introducing a huge selection effect: It tastes like meat to those people who have the least idea what meat actually tastes like. Now, when something is sought after by meat-eaters because it tastes like meat, give me a call then. there are people who have \*stopped \*eating meat for various reasons. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/17 "2016-08-26T12:41:51Z")
You can get fruit that tastes like meat if you’re lucky enough to have the Little People genetically manipulate some trees for your, and if you happen to be a character in Robert Heinlein’s novel _Methuselah’s Children_. You have to take the risk of the occasional Marion Schmidt, though. Actually, the idea of a Filet Mignon tree has always troubled me. You’d have to heat the fruit, or else be content with room temperature steaks. And you’d have to satisfy the people who wanted Well Done as well as the Medium Rare people. Maybe the “doneness” of the steak would depend on how ripe it was. “Don’t eat that one – It’s not ripe. it’s still bloody and red.” ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/18 "2016-08-26T12:42:43Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Now, when something is sought after by meat-eaters because it tastes like meat, give me a call then. As a meat-eater I quite often select Quorn as my “meat”. I know it’s made from fungus, but it tastes like meat to me. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/19 "2016-08-26T12:47:47Z")
I’ve never found a meat substitute that actually tastes like meat (other than in dishes like chili or spaghetti sauce where it’s not really the meat you’re tasting in the first place), but I _have_ found some that taste very good. > [@](#): > > Quoth **jz78817** : > > there are people who have stopped eating meat for various reasons. One of those reasons being that they don’t like the taste of meat. Plus, even if a given vegetarian used to eat meat, that might have been many years in the past before they tried some particular substitute. ---
**Author:** ![Whiskey\_Dickens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9fc348/32.png) [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947/20 "2016-08-26T13:47:09Z")
I had durian for the first time last weekend, and one of the tastes was definitely meat-like. If you enjoy the complex flavours of meat marinaded in gasoline and bile, this might be the meat substitute for you. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-that-tastes-like-meat/763947.md?page=2)