Jackfruit vs. Durian: What’s the Difference and Why Do People Mix Them Up?
Jackfruit and durian look alike, but they are very different fruits. Jackfruit is bigger, smells pleasant and can replace meat, while durian is smaller, has sharp spikes, a creamy texture and a very strong smell.
Imagine you’re walking through a busy market in South-East Asia. You stop at a fruit stall to buy some jackfruit. But in front of you are two giant fruits. Both are spiky, exotic and almost impossible to tell apart. You might think they are the same fruit at a different stage of ripeness. Wrong! Jackfruit and durian may look alike, but they are two very different fruits, and people often mix them up.
Jackfruit smells sweet or has no strong smell. Once it is cooked, it looks like pulled meat. And durian? That’s a whole different story. Its smell splits the world into two groups. Some people love it, and others stay far away. Still, both fruits have special qualities and flavours. They can surprise fans of exotic food, and fans of Mexican or Asian cooking too. So how do you tell them apart? Let’s find out!
Why is jackfruit our favourite?
Jackfruit from Jackies needs no introduction. We know you love it because it is so versatile, it tastes great, and you can use it in so many dishes, not just vegetarian ones. Of these two exotic giants, it is our clear favourite. It can taste like a tropical fruit, but it can also be a perfect plant-based alternative to meat.
What do jackfruit smell and taste like?
Durian has a strong smell that puts many people off. Jackfruit smells pleasant. You can pick up hints of mango, pineapple and banana. You’ll like that when you choose a snack for your evening show.
Unripe jackfruit is a must in the kitchen. Its stringy texture looks like pulled meat. That’s why plant-based food lovers often use it in tacos, burgers or curries.
Ripe jackfruit is sweet and juicy. It’s great in desserts, smoothies or fruit salads.
Jackfruit is easy to digest, low in calories and high in fibre. It also has vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants, which support the immune system. It has less fat than durian. So you don’t need to worry about eating it, even if you’re trying to lose weight.
Why is durian so famous?
If any fruit splits the world into two groups, it’s durian. Some people call it the king of fruits. Others call it the smelliest fruit on earth. In South-East Asia, it is a real treat, and you’ll find it at markets from Thailand to Malaysia. Do you want to try its special taste, or are you just curious what all the fuss is about? Either way, durian is worth a try.
Why does durian smell so strong?
Durian is known for its very strong smell. It is so strong that some countries ban it from public places, hotels and public transport. Some people say it smells like sweet pudding with vanilla and caramel. Others smell cheese, onion or even garlic. Whether you like the smell or not, one thing is sure: you won’t mistake it for anything else.
What does durian feel and taste like?
Durian doesn’t just smell unusual. It also has an unusual texture. Inside the spiky shell, there is soft, creamy flesh, a bit like thick pudding. Jackfruit is stringy and juicy, but durian is rich, buttery and dense.
Durian fans say it tastes both sweet and savoury, with hints of almond, caramel or vanilla custard. Others say you have to get used to it. It’s not for everyone.
Durian has more calories than most fruits. It has more fat, so it keeps you full for longer. It is also rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants, which are good for your immune system.
What are the main differences between jackfruit and durian?
At first, jackfruit and durian may seem alike. Both are big fruits with spiky skin, and both come from the tropics. But there are big differences you should know before you taste them.
How do they look and smell?
Jackfruit is bigger and less spiky. It turns greenish-yellow as it ripens. It has a pleasant tropical smell, with hints of mango and banana.
Durian is smaller and rounder, with sharper spikes. You can tell right away that you need to handle it with care. Its smell is strong and unusual, so strong that some countries ban it from public places.
How do you use them?
Jackfruit is the clear winner if you want a fruit you can use in many ways. Unripe jackfruit tastes neutral. Its stringy texture makes it a great meat substitute in tacos or even goulash. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and great for smoothies or as a snack on its own.
Durian has a thick, creamy texture like pudding. Its taste is unusual. Some people find it amazingly sweet, while others can’t quite describe it.
How do you choose?
The easiest way to tell them apart is the smell. Jackfruit has a mild smell, and durian has a strong, sharp one. The texture is different too. Jackfruit is stringy and juicy, while durian is dense and buttery.
Do you want a fruit that’s versatile, tastes great and won’t upset anyone’s taste buds? Then jackfruit is the clear choice. Its sweet and savoury forms will never let you down, and you can use it in lots of jackfruit recipes. Durian is more for adventurers who love to try new things and aren’t afraid of strange flavours.
Whatever you choose, one thing is sure: jackfruit is still our favourite by a mile! And it’s organic too!
FAQ: Jackfruit vs. durian
Are jackfruit and durian the same fruit?
No. They look alike, but they are two different fruits from different plant families.
Which one smells bad?
Durian. It smells so strong that some countries ban it from public places. Jackfruit smells pleasant and fruity.
Which fruit can replace meat?
Young jackfruit. Its stringy texture works well in tacos, burgers, curries and goulash.
How can I tell them apart?
Jackfruit is bigger and less spiky. Durian is smaller and rounder, with sharp spikes and a strong smell.