Jackfruit vs Durian: Are They Different?
Jackfruit vs durian, aren’t those the same tropical fruits? Actually, no, these are two different species of tropical fruit, and it is easy to tell them apart. Jackfruit has large fruit pods, much larger than durian fruits. While both fruits are smelly, durian is much worse.
When we think of tropical fruits, we think of all these juicy fruits such as mango, papaya, bananas, pineapples, coconuts, etc. However, there are two tropical fruits that are like no other fruits: jack fruit and durian fruit.
Although frequently confused for each other, jackfruit and durian have many differences, so keep reading to learn how to differentiate these two fruits!
Table of Contents
Jackfruit Vs Durian
If you still can’t decide when it comes to jackfruit versus durian, here are their differences broken down for you:
Appearance
Both jackfruit and durian have spiky skin, but while ripe jackfruit has bumpy skin that can easily be held in your bare hands, durian has nasty thorns that can seriously hurt you.
The jackfruit is a large, green fruit that grows in tropical countries like Southern India and Bangladesh. It can weigh up to 100 pounds and is the largest tree fruit in the world!
The durian, on the other hand, is a small, spiky fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. It typically weighs between two and four pounds, but the biggest durian fruits can reach 30 pounds.
Both durian and jackfruit grow on trees, but the way they grow is quite different. On the jackfruit trees, fruit pods are placed close to the trunk. On durian trees, fruits are distributed all over the branches.
A jackfruit tree can grow up to 50 to 70 feet in height (15 to 20 meters). A durian tree can reach up to 130 feet (40 meters).
The edible flesh in jackfruit is a pale yellow, similar to bananas. Durian’s flesh can be pink, yellow, red, or white.
Durian seeds look like small chestnuts, while jackfruit seeds are more similar to sunflower seeds.
Flavor
A ripe jackfruit has a sweet taste, similar to bananas, mangos, and pineapple. However, its insides are often described as “chaotic.” Its edible parts are intertwined with pieces of slimy and stinky latex.
On the other hand, durian fruit has a stronger, richer, and pungent taste. the fruit is divided into five edible portions, without any latex and smelly parts.
Smell
Durian and jackfruit are famous for their strong, unpleasant smells. Durian smells like rotting onions, dirty socks, and even sewage. The reason behind this smell is the high level of sulfur in the durian.
Jackfruit also has an unpleasant smell but is a bit milder than durian. It smells of bananas, rotten onions, and bubble gum.
Texture
Ripened jackfruit has a dense, gummy, and fibrous texture. Ripe durian has a soft and creamy texture.
Nutritional Value
Jackfruit and durian have similar nutritional values. However, when it comes to minerals, durian is a winner, as it has more copper, zinc, iron, and phosphorus, while jackfruit has more potassium and calcium.
Durian is also richer in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B9, and vitamin C. Jackfruit is richer in vitamins A and E.
Culinary Use
Raw jackfruit is sometimes used as a meat substitute, but it can be eaten raw, alone, or as a part of desserts and savory dishes. Jackfruit chips are also quite popular.
Unripe durian is often used in vegetarian dishes because it tastes similar to chicken meat. Ripe durian is used to make puddings, ice creams, but since it has a mildly salty flavor, it can also be used in savory dishes.
FAQ
Where Can I Find Durian And Jackfruit?
Durian and jackfruit can both be found at Asian markets or online. However, due to their increasing popularity, you may be able to find them at your local grocery store as well.
Are Durian And Jackfruit Healthy?
Durian and jackfruit are both rich in vitamins and minerals, and they contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. They are antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipidemic, and cardio-protective.
Are Durian And Jackfruit Expensive?
No, durian and jackfruit are not expensive fruits. However, they may be more expensive than other fruits during certain times of the year.
Do Durian And Jackfruit Have Any Side Effects?
If you have a latex allergy, you should avoid eating them. Additionally, some people may experience digestive issues after eating durian or jackfruit. If this happens, stop consuming the fruit and see a doctor if necessary.
Do Durian And Jackfruit Taste The same?
When it comes to taste, durian and jackfruit are quite different. Durian has a strong, pungent taste that some people love and others find very off-putting.
Jackfruit, on the other hand, is much sweeter and milder in taste. It has been described as tasting like a cross between a pineapple and a banana.
Durian tastes like nothing else on earth, and that is part of its appeal. For some people, the taste is an acquired one that takes time to get used to. Jackfruit is much more approachable in terms of flavor, which is why it is often used in desserts.
What Smells Worse Jackfruit Or Durian?
Most people agree that durian smells worse than jackfruit. One reason for this is that durian contains high levels of sulfur, which is what gives it its characteristic “rotten eggs” smell. Jackfruit does not contain as much sulfur, so it doesn’t smell quite as bad.
Another reason why durian smells worse than jackfruit is that the odor of durian lingers long after you’ve stopped smelling it. This is because the scent of durian is volatile, meaning it easily evaporates and fills the air around you with its stench. Jackfruit doesn’t have this same effect, so its odor isn’t as overwhelming or long-lasting.
While durian fruit smell of dirty socks, turpentine, and sewer water, jackfruit smell like a mixture of bubble gum, rotten onions, pineapple, and bananas. While both jackfruit and durian are unbelievably smelly, durian is a bit worse.
Is Jackfruit The Smelliest Fruit In The World?
No, although its smell is pungent and disgusting, jackfruit isn’t the smelliest fruit in the world. Durian fruits are by far the smelliest fruits in the world.
Why Is Jackfruit Illegal In The US?
Both jackfruit and durian are banned from public places, such as buses, hotels, airports, etc. The reason is easy to guess: their nasty smell. It is inconsiderate to bring these fruits where other people will be exposed to these pungent odors.
