Explore Jackfruit vs Durian: What’s the Difference
Are you a fan of tropical fruits? If so, who do you think is the winner in the jackfruit vs durian battle?
Jackfruit and durian are two fruits that are often compared due to their similar size and texture, but they have very different flavors and aromas. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between durian and jackfruit.
Meet the Contenders: Jackfruit and Durian
Durian Fruit: The King of Tropics
Durians are known as “the king of fruits” in Southeast Asia for good reason – they’re one of the largest fruits in the world (up to 6kg!), spiky on the outside and creamy on the inside. Durian is also known for its unmistakable odor that people either love or hate. The fruit is native to Sumatra and Borneo; durian trees are now grown throughout Southeast Asia.
Jackfruit: The Largest Tree-Borne Fruit
Whereas durians are big, they are mere peanuts compared to jackfruits. Jackfruit is the largest fruit in the world as it can grow up to 35kg! So, when it comes to size, jackfruit is the clear winner of the jackfruit versus durian battle.
Jackfruit has a sweet taste and edible seeds. Its bumpy green skin surrounds yellow flesh inside. Native to southern India, jackfruit is often found these days in other parts of South Asia, East Africa, and Brazil.
Appearance & Texture: Durian vs Jackfruit
The Spiky Exterior of Durian
The outer shell or husk of a ripe durian has sharp spikes, which many find intimidating. The spikes not only help protect against predators like monkeys but also reveal soft, custard-like flesh sections divided by fibrous membranes when opened.
The Bumpy Surface of Jackfruit
Unlike its prickly cousin, jackfruit doesn’t have thorns. It boasts of raised bumps all over its surface: they give this fruit giving it a unique appearance.
Aromas and Tastes: The Great Divide
Why Does Durian Smell So Pungent?
The odor of durian is often described as a mix of rotten onion and gym socks, but fans of the fruit swear that the smell of durian is actually sweet. The pungency comes from sulfur compounds, which some people are more sensitive to than others.
It is also interesting to know that unripe durians have no smell at all (and, yes, they are edible. Unripe durian tastes pleasantly sweet and fresh). The taste of durian, when it ripens, tends to be bittersweet.
How Does Jackfruit Taste?
Ripe jackfruit has a stringy flavor similar to pineapple or mango, with hints of banana and apple. They’re not as pungent as durians (which are really acquired taste to many people), so they are generally easier to enjoy.
Nutritional Value of Durian and Jackfruit
Durian: The Rich, Creamy Fruit
Differences between jackfruit and durian fruits also lie in their nutritional profiles. Durians are high in calories due to their creamy texture – one cup contains around 350 calories! However, they also contain healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), along with high fiber (improves intestinal health) and vitamin C content (among other things, boosts immunity).
Durian also boasts B vitamins (essential for your nervous system), iron (important for the transportation of oxygen), potassium (reduces blood pressure), magnesium (present in every cell of the body), phosphorus (important for your bones), calcium (tooth health), copper (required for numerous enzymes), zinc (essential for men’s health), manganese (acts as an antioxidant), and selenium (supports mental health).
Jackfruit: A High Source of Vitamin C
While jackfruits aren’t quite as calorie-dense as durians, they still pack an impressive nutritional punch, being a rich source of dietary fiber and containing ample amounts of antioxidants. Jackfruit is higher in vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants.
Culinary Uses: From Sweet to Savory
Cooking with Durian: A Tropical Treat
The taste and texture of durians can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. In Southeast Asia, where this king of fruits hails from, there’s no shortage of creative ways to use them, whether cooked fresh or eaten raw.
Versatile Jackfruit: A Meat Substitute and More
One reason jackfruits are gaining popularity among vegans and vegetarians is the texture of this large fruit: jackfruit meat is similar to pulled pork when cooked properly. It can be used as a meat substitute in dishes like tacos or sandwiches and even in desserts. The seeds are also edible after boiling or roasting.
If you are vegetarian and found good substitutes for meat, it is still important that you use dietary supplements with vitamin B12, as you cannot get it from plant sources like jackfruit and durian. Also, make sure that there is enough iron in your diet.
FAQs
The main differences between these fruits are their taste and aroma – durian may (depending on who you ask) have a pungent odor, while jackfruits have a mild smell. Additionally, the flesh of each fruit is quite different: durian contains creamier flesh than its bumpy cousin, jackfruit.
No, durians have a distinct flavor that’s hard to compare to anything else; however, some people describe it as having notes of sweet custard mixed with rotten onion and gym socks. The flavor of jackfruit, on the other hand, tends to be milder compared to durians.
Durian is nothing like jackfruit – and vice versa! Durians have spiky exteriors, which many find intimidating, whereas jackfruits feature bumps all over their surfaces, making them easier to distinguish visually. What’s more, durian has a strong smell, whereas jackfruit smells considerably more mellow.
Some countries ban durian due to its strong, unpleasant odor that can be off-putting for those unaccustomed to eating such smelly food items, especially when consumed in public places or close quarters where others may not appreciate the intense fragrance.
Yes, both durian and jackfruit contain edible seeds that can be consumed after proper cooking, such as roasting or boiling.
To clean both fruits, simply rinse with water, pat dry, then cut open using a sharp knife and divide into sections of the desired serving size. For preparing durian, there are various creative ways to enjoy it, whether cooked fresh or eaten raw after peeling away the outer layer. For jackfruit, after removing the flesh from the skin, the seeds can be boiled or roasted for consumption later.
Both durian and jackfruit contain essential nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, durians are a rich source of healthy fats, while jackfruits serve as a great meat substitute, being vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
So, who is the winner in the durian vs jackfruit battle?
These fruits may look similar on the outside, but they’re very different when it comes to taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value. Whether you love their pungent smell or prefer a milder fruit, both of these tropical delicacies have unique features that make them worth trying at least once in your lifetime!