Durian Fruit Vs Jackfruit: What's The Difference?

There are many of us who still get confused between jackfruit and durian because they appear to be similar fruits from the outside. They both have a large shape with spikes on them, both are green and brown from outside. This is where we have to put a full stop to the similarities. As many ask is durian same as jackfruit, it is not. There is a lot of difference between durian and jackfruit.

Durian vs jackfruit, what is really the difference between the two you ask? We have all the answers to your questions when it comes to durian fruit vs jackfruit. Even though both are similar in appearance and size there is a considerable amount of difference between them.

We are going to find out what the various differences are like the taste, common usage, smell, nutrition, and much more. It is easy to get confused between durian and jackfruit but after learning about the differences you will be able to tell the differences from afar as well. Durian tends to have a strong smell that you can guess from a distance, so even if you cant’ see teh fruit you know it is durian.

Let us first look at what these two similar-looking fruits are and then find out what is the difference between the two.

What Is Durian Fruit?

This spikey fruit, durian was first found in Malaysia. Even today it is a popular fruit in Malaysia but it is now grown widely in Southeast Asian tropical forests. Durian is a large fruit similar to jackfruit. This kind of large fruit is not commonly seen in western supermarkets or stores. You can find a lot of tropical fruits that are large.

In size, it weighs about 5 pounds and is similar to a pomelo, soursop, or coconut. Durians’ spikes are more thorn-like. Durians are usually compared to guanabana or soursop as all are spiky and green tropical fruits.

Soursops unlike its name doesn’t have a peculiar taste or aroma. It has white flesh that tastes sweet.

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is also a tropical fruit that is native to the Southern part of India. It is also widely grown in Southeast Asia these days. Jackfruit is a relative of mulberries, breadfruit, and figs.

Jackfruit has a giant size. It is green to a golden color on the outside, it has a shape of a cocoon and it has spikey nubs all over the exterior but they are not too spiky and big. A jackfruit that has fully grown can weigh anywhere between 80 to 100 pounds and is as tall as 3 feet.

It is a large fruit that can take up to three years to fully grow because of its size. Jackfruit is commonly confused with breadfruit thanks to the similar exterior. But, breadfruit usually weighs 10 pounds. Breadfruit is nothing like jackfruit, it is starchier and comes close to a sweet potato or chestnut.

Durian Fruit Vs Jackfruit: Factors To Compare

We already know that durian fruit vs jackfruit is a common debate but to figure out the differences we need to compare a few factors like appearance, smell, taste, how these two fruits are eaten, their uses, and the nutritional value they offer. These two fruits may look similar but have different tastes and smells. They also have different uses that we shall see in detail.

These two fruits have a special way of eating as well, as extracting the flesh from the fruit is quite a tedious task.

Here are some of the factors that we need to consider to compare the two fruits.

Appearance

Durian and jackfruit may appear similar on the outside but have very minute differences when it comes to their appearance. A durian has spiky thorns on the exterior whereas a jackfruit has small pointy nubs on its skin. A durian is green on the outside but a jackfruit can be green to golden. Jackfruit is also bigger than durian in size.

On the inside, durian looks like a brain that is yellow-colored. There are soft compartments where the seeds grow and it is custard-like. It is coated with a thick membrane covering that looks something like the pith on a pomelo or grapefruit.

A jackfruit when ripe has 5 chambers inside that is where the seeds grow. The seeds are protected by a yellow thick, jelly-like, creamy coating. Unripe jackfruit has a pale yellow or almost pearly color.

Taste

A lot of people ask, does durian taste like jackfruit? It does not. Durian has a creamy flavor with the nuttiness of caramel. And as surprising as it may sound, it also has hints of garlic and cheese. It may not sound appetizing but it is quite an enjoyable fruit. Durian has a high content of sulfur.

Jackfruit also has a high content of sulfur. A green jackfruit has a mild flavor, hence used for cooking. A ripe jackfruit tastes sugary-sweet as it ages and tastes like a combination of bananas and pineapples. It has a tropical taste. Durian tastes nothing like jackfruit.

How To Eat

It is a difficult task to cut open a jackfruit as compared to a durian. The sap of jackfruit makes it a messier affair to open. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut open the jackfruit from the stem down to the bottom. Once open you can pull out the seeds and flesh with your fingers or a knife. You can eat the flesh and boil the seeds that taste like creamy potatoes. Raw jackfruit is cooked and consumed in some parts of the world and many vegans use it as a meat alternative today.

Cutting open a durian is much easier than a jackfruit. The compartments in the fruit can be traced from the outside. Stick a sharp knife where the stem is and simply wiggle it. The fruit will split in half on its own. Now you can peel the fruit, it might take some muscle power to do that. You can take out the segments and enjoy the fruit.

Smell

Durian and jackfruit both are called stinky fruits because of the high content of sulfur present in both. But Durian is called the world’s stinkiest fruit and there is a ban on durian in public spaces. It has a very strong smell, sometimes like rotting onions, sewage, and eggs. Durian has hydrogen sulfide that has a strong aroma.

Jackfruit also has a high content of sulfur and a strong smell but not as much as a durian. Jackfruit has a sweet smell, something like a combination of bananas, mango, pineapple, and peach.

Nutrition

There are many health benefits that both fruits have to offer. Durian is highly nutritious and known as one of the most nutritious fruits. It is high in fiber, has vitamin B and vitamin C. Durian is a high-energy fruit and has many minerals. Every 100 gms of durian will give you 147 calories.

Jackfruit on the other hand also provides good nutrition. It has been used as an alternative to meat for a long time now because of the texture it has. Many don’t know it also has a high protein level. Every cup of jackfruit provides 3 grams of protein, which is a lot for a fruit to have. It also has Vitamin C along with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, level of cholesterol, and blood pressure. The vitamins can improve your immunity system and help sustain youthful hair, skin, and nails.

Size & Uses

Durian in comparison to jackfruit is smaller in size. Jackfruit is the largest tree growing fruit. Jackfruit can be 3 feet long and can weigh about 80 to 100 pounds whereas a durian can weigh not more than 30 pounds.

Both jackfruit and durian can be enjoyed as fruit or turned into ice cream. Raw jackfruit is also cooked and has a meat alternative these days. It can also be used in curries, along with rice and desserts.

Cooked durian is used to make boba, candy, curry, cappuccino, salads, and much more.

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed the detailed differences between the two spiky fruits, we can end the debate on durian fruit vs jackfruit. Even though durian and jackfruit look similar they are quite different from each other. Durian and jackfruit have different tastes and smell different as well. Both have their own unique qualities and offer various levels of nutritional value. Now it is easy to differentiate between the two fruits with the various factors of comparison. You can try out both the fruits and experience the difference yourself.

Ava Jones

Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!

Durian Fruit Vs Jackfruit: What’s The Difference?