Jackfruit vs Durian: How to Tell the Difference (Taste, Smell, Nutrition & More
Confused between jackfruit and durian? Here’s your ultimate guide to identifying, understanding, and enjoying these two tropical giants—without mixing them up again.
Jackfruit and durian are two of the most talked-about fruits in the tropical world. They’re big, spiky, and intimidating to first-time eaters—but that’s where their similarities end.
If you’ve ever stood in front of one at the market wondering whether you’re buying jackfruit or durian—or just been overwhelmed by the smell—this guide will give you clear, detailed insight into telling the difference between them. From appearance and taste to nutrition and culinary uses, we’ll break it all down for you.
🍈 What Is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. Native to South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit can grow up to 80 pounds (36 kg) or more. It’s part of the fig and mulberry family (Moraceae).
- Color: Green to yellow when ripe.
- Skin: Bumpy, spiked but not sharp.
- Flesh: Bright yellow, fibrous, sweet.
- Seeds: Large, smooth, and edible when cooked.
- Tree: Can grow over 80 feet tall.
Jackfruit has a mild tropical aroma and a flavor that’s often described as a cross between banana, mango, and pineapple.
🌰 What Is Durian?
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is often referred to as the “King of Fruits” and is famous—or infamous—for its pungent smell. It’s native to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- Color: Green to brown when ripe.
- Skin: Hard, thick, and covered in very sharp, intimidating spikes.
- Flesh: Soft, custard-like, ranging from pale yellow to deep golden.
- Smell: Powerful, sulfuric, and controversial.
- Tree: Grows up to 165 feet in the wild.
Despite its smell, durian has a loyal following and is prized for its rich, almond-like flavor and creamy texture.
🔍 Jackfruit vs Durian: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Jackfruit | Durian |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae (Fig family) | Malvaceae (Mallow family) |
| Size | Larger (up to 80 lbs) | Smaller (2–7 lbs typically) |
| Shape | Oval to oblong | Round to oval |
| Skin | Green/yellow, bumpy, soft spikes | Green/brown, sharp, hard spikes |
| Aroma | Mild, sweet | Strong, pungent, sulfuric |
| Flavor | Sweet, fruity | Rich, custardy, savory-sweet |
| Flesh Texture | Fibrous, chewy | Creamy, soft |
| Seeds | Edible when cooked | Edible when cooked |
| Availability | More common worldwide | Less common outside Southeast Asia |
| Use | Raw, cooked, meat substitute | Eaten raw, used in desserts |
🧠 How to Instantly Tell the Difference Between Jackfruit and Durian
✅ 1. Smell
- Durian: Overpowering, can be smelled from yards away. Smells like onions, garlic, cheese, and gasoline combined.
- Jackfruit: Mild and sweet, like a mix of tropical fruits.
✅ 2. Spikes
- Durian: Sharp and painful to touch.
- Jackfruit: Bumps or soft spines—firm but not dangerous.
✅ 3. Texture of Flesh
- Jackfruit: Rubbery and stringy; sections are separated.
- Durian: Custard-soft, creamy; melts in your mouth.
✅ 4. Taste
- Jackfruit: Sweet, like banana-mango-pineapple.
- Durian: Complex—some say it’s sweet almond custard; others find it repulsive.
🥣 Culinary Uses: Jackfruit vs Durian in Cooking
🍽️ Jackfruit in the Kitchen
- Unripe (green): Used as a meat substitute in vegan/vegetarian dishes (e.g. jackfruit pulled “pork”).
- Ripe: Eaten fresh, added to smoothies, desserts, or dried.
- Seeds: Boiled or roasted—taste like chestnuts or beans.
Popular dishes:
- Jackfruit curry
- BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
- Jackfruit ice cream or chips
🍮 Durian in the Kitchen
- Usually eaten raw, fresh out of the shell.
- Added to desserts: cakes, puddings, sticky rice, ice cream.
- Sometimes used in savory dishes.
Popular dishes:
- Durian sticky rice
- Durian crepes or pancakes
- Durian candy (very polarizing)
🍃 Nutrition Comparison: Which Is Healthier?
Both fruits are nutritious but serve different dietary roles.
| Nutrient | Jackfruit (100g) | Durian (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal | 147 kcal |
| Carbs | 23.3g | 27.1g |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 3.8g |
| Protein | 1.7g | 1.5g |
| Fat | 0.6g | 5.3g |
| Vitamin C | 13.7mg | 19.7mg |
| Potassium | 448mg | 436mg |
Summary:
- Jackfruit is lower in calories and fat, making it a better option for weight-conscious diets.
- Durian is richer in healthy fats, fiber, and some vitamins—ideal for energy-dense diets or muscle gain.
🌿 Growing Conditions & Availability
🌱 Jackfruit Tree:
- Grows in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Fast-growing, fruits within 3–5 years.
- Tolerates drought once established.
🌱 Durian Tree:
- Needs equatorial humidity, consistent rainfall.
- Slow-growing—may take 7–10 years to bear fruit.
- Requires deep, well-drained soils and hot climates.
Availability:
- Jackfruit: Widely cultivated in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and now even parts of Africa and Central America.
- Durian: Grown mostly in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Limited availability outside Asia.
🤔 Why Are They Confused So Often?
- Both are large, spiky, and tropical.
- Often sold in similar markets or stores.
- Both are unfamiliar to many Western consumers.
- Some Asian languages refer to both in similar terms (e.g., “nangka” for jackfruit and “durian” may get mixed up).
But once you’ve seen, smelled, and tasted both, they’re completely different fruits.
🚫 Common Myths About Jackfruit and Durian
❌ Myth: Jackfruit and durian are the same fruit.
Truth: They’re from entirely different plant families and have distinct tastes, textures, and appearances.
❌ Myth: Jackfruit smells as bad as durian.
Truth: Jackfruit is relatively mild and sweet-smelling. Durian is the one with the powerful, divisive odor.
❌ Myth: Durian is banned everywhere.
Truth: Durian is banned in hotels and public transport in some countries (like Singapore and Thailand) due to its smell, but it’s perfectly legal and loved locally.
❌ Myth: Jackfruit is always sweet.
Truth: Unripe jackfruit is savory and used like meat in many vegetarian dishes.
Table of Contents
❓ FAQs About Jackfruit vs Durian
Q: Can you eat both jackfruit and durian raw?
Yes! Both are commonly eaten raw. Durian is usually consumed fresh for its creamy texture. Ripe jackfruit is also eaten raw, but unripe jackfruit is usually cooked.
Q: Why does durian smell so bad?
Durian contains over 50 volatile compounds, including sulfur-based chemicals that create its signature odor—often described as rotten onions or sewage to those unfamiliar.
Q: Which is better for vegans—jackfruit or durian?
Jackfruit, especially when unripe, is widely used as a meat substitute because of its fibrous texture. Durian is more of a dessert fruit with high fat content.
Q: Is durian illegal in some places?
Not illegal, but banned in enclosed public areas in some cities due to its strong smell.
Q: Which is more expensive?
Durian is generally more expensive, especially imported varieties like Musang King. Jackfruit is more widely grown and thus cheaper in most global markets.
Q: Do both fruits have edible seeds?
Yes. The seeds from both fruits can be boiled or roasted and are nutritious, containing starch and protein.
Q: Are jackfruit and durian good for you?
Yes! Both are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Durian is higher in healthy fats, while jackfruit is lower in calories and great for digestion.
Q: Can you freeze jackfruit or durian?
Yes. Both can be frozen:
- Jackfruit holds up well in chunks or shredded.
- Durian flesh can be frozen but may lose a bit of its creamy texture.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Jackfruit or Durian—Which One’s for You?
Both jackfruit and durian are incredible tropical fruits—each with unique flavor profiles, textures, and cultural importance.
- Choose jackfruit if you want:
- A sweet, mild fruit
- A vegan meat alternative
- A less smelly kitchen
- Choose durian if you’re:
- Adventurous with food
- A fan of creamy, bold, custardy textures
- Curious about the “King of Fruits”