Timothée Chalamet may not have an Oscar yet, but in his recent Cash App commercial, he’s got something award-worthy in his hands. The A Complete Unknown star is holding a giant prickly-looking tropical fruit—and yes, it’s not only real, but it’s a meaty stand-in for lots of vegan recipes.
In a dreamy, surreal grocery-store setting, Chalamet enters amid a father and son’s debate: the shopkeeper insists on archaic payments—iron ingots, salts, cowrie shells—while his teenage son urges modern banking via Cash App. Chalamet looks on, giant jackfruit in hand, as the son persuades his father that embracing convenient financial tools does not alter identity. As Chalamet finally asks, “How do I pay for this?” he departs with his bags in tow, suggesting the produce (including that giant jackfruit) has been secured.
The two-minute spot runs in US movie theaters before blockbusters such as Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and in Sunday’s VMA Awards on CBS. The campaign includes out-of-home placements in New York City and Los Angeles, as well as limited-edition Cash App Card stamps designed with Chalamet.
“We wanted to give Timothée a platform to encourage open conversations around money across age groups in a way that felt fresh and authentic to who he is as an artist,” Catherine Ferdon, chief marketing officer at Cash App, said in a press release. “We’ve always empowered our partners to use their own voice and creative lens when sharing Cash App with their audiences, and we’re thrilled to continue that momentum with one of the most prominent and influential actors of his generation.”
Chalamet added: “Financial literacy across all age groups is important and this spot seeks to emphasize that.”
Jackfruit: a savory star with impressive nutrition
Jackfruit, the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, can weigh well over 10 pounds; the ad’s version surely falls in that range. It originates in India and is now commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Unripe jackfruit has a neutral flavor and fibrous texture, perfect for mimicking meat; ripe jackfruit is sweet and better suited for desserts.
One cup (about 165 grams) of sliced, raw jackfruit provides roughly 157 calories. It delivers 38.3 grams of carbohydrates, 2.8 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and 2.5 grams of fiber, along with approximately 25 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, about 16 percent for potassium, 14 percent for copper, and 11 percent for magnesium.
Jackfruit’s low glycemic index and healthy levels of fiber and protein help moderate blood sugar responses. It also provides antioxidants that support immune function and may reduce inflammation. Its nutritional benefits span heart and digestive health, too. Dietary fiber supports cholesterol reduction and healthy bowel function; potassium helps regulate blood pressure; and antioxidants may protect against disease.
Page Street Publishing
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Jackfruit’s impressive nutritional profile and diverse culinary applications make the fruit a versatile powerhouse. Green jackfruit soaks up seasonings for tacos, curries, stews, and barbecue-style dishes. Ripe jackfruit lends itself to fruit salads, sorbets, compotes, or smoothies. Even its seeds are edible when boiled or roasted.
Check out some of our favorite jackfruit recipes, as well as cooking and preparation tips, here.
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