If you are acquainted with the fragrance of jackfruit and durian, you can distinguish between the two fruits without even having to look at them. People are likely to have ideas that are diametrically opposed to one another over which of the smells they like and why.
Putting these distinctions to the side for a moment, how easy is it to recognize the difference between a jackfruit and a durian just by looking at them? Are either of them suitable to serve as a replacement for the other?
Let’s discuss our findings together. To begin, both types of fruit are borne on trees and may be found in great abundance in subtropical and tropical regions. In addition, they have similar spiky coatings, which is another similarity between the two.
Despite this, they were members of an entirely separate family. Jackfruit is a member of the same family as mulberries and figs, but durian is a member of the mallow chain.
How exactly do you differentiate between the two?
The following is a comprehensive analysis of the differences and similarities between jackfruit and durian, as well as our take on which fruit is superior.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Similarities and Differences
Both of these fruits are usually included on the list of “strong-smelling-fruits,” which are foods that could get you kicked out of public spaces if you eat them there. Additionally, they are not allowed on flights. Why? This is due to the fact that even a single serving of these fruits is sufficient to fill a whole space with their pungent odor.
The odor may linger for hours or even days; this is not a joke. As I’ve said before, not everyone is a fan of the qualities that are shared by jackfruit and durian.
The following are some other characteristics that they share, as well as some that they do not share.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Appearance
Due to the fact that these green fruits are covered with spikes all over their bodies, it is easy to confuse one with the other at first look. But if you look more closely, you’ll see that the jackfruit really features tiny spikes that are blunt at the end. The spikes on the durian are bigger and more pronounced, and it also has a pointier and more acute appearance.
It is quite unlikely that you would sustain significant injuries even if a jackfruit is hurled at you. But we can’t make the same claim about durian since, believe it or not, there have been recorded instances of it being responsible for people’s deaths. In addition to having a bulbous look, the colors of their rinds seem to be comparable to one another. Both fruits’ rinds might be green, yellow, or even brown in color, depending on the variety.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Size and Shape
If you compare a jackfruit with a durian of the same size, you can find that they have a similar appearance. Durians are larger than jackfruits. The jackfruit, on the other hand, has the potential to get much bigger than the durian.
Because of its potential for enormous growth, the jackfruit is officially recognized as the biggest fruit that can be found anywhere in the globe. Jackfruits may reach a length of up to 50 centimeters in length, although on average they are only 30 centimeters long. The average size of a durian will be anything from 14 to 32 centimeters, but it will never become larger than its main rival.
The jackfruit, which can weigh up to roughly 110 pounds, is also the heavier of the two fruits. The heaviest durians may weigh up to around 30 pounds. Both of them have an oval bulge, which is a form that is quite similar to one another.
On the other hand, bigger jackfruits may sometimes take the form of an extended oval or an oblong. On the other hand, durian is characterized by its roundness and circularity.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Core
The inside of the jackfruit and the durian are similar in that they are meaty, mushy, and pulpy. When the pulps are ready, they have a tint that is similar to a pale yellow. Overripe jackfruits may become a brilliant shade of yellow, whilst overripe durian often takes on a color that is in between yellow and green.
The name “aril” refers to the meaty pulp that may be found in both fruits. The coating on the seeds of a mature durian or jackfruit is the part of the fruit that may be eaten. In jackfruit, the aril coats each seed separately before being surrounded by a mixture of stringy, white fibers that cannot be consumed.
The sticky latex fluid that covers these threads may also be found coating the skin of the jackfruit itself. Consumption of it is complicated by the presence of this sticky sap, which is difficult to remove even after washing.
Before cutting into a jackfruit, some individuals like to coat their hands with cooking oil in order to prevent the fruit from sticking to their fingers. This is done so that the spiderweb-like elastic strands do not get stuck to their fingertips.
On the other hand, the core of the durian is more organized and well-organized. It does not have any fibers that stick together, and the edible pulp may be reached more quickly. The pulps of the durian are contained inside the hollow pod casing that surrounds them. The seed is included inside the edible section as well. The seeds of the durian are comparable to but significantly larger than those of the jackfruit.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Taste
The renowned odor of durian prevents many people from tasting it, which means they never have the chance to experience its delicious flavor. Putting aside the aroma, most people would say that the durian comes out on top when pitted against the jackfruit in terms of flavor. The durian provides a balance of sweet and salty flavors, which is one of the reasons why it is so delicious.
The pulp, which resembles custard, has a consistency that is thick and creamy. The flavor is an onslaught of savory undertones that conjures up images of other robust and delectable tastes, such as cream cheese, buttery garlic, or pudding.
When it is fully mature, the pulp of a jackfruit has a flavor that is reminiscent of the tropics and is juicy, rubbery, and sweet. It is possible for it to transmit a strong fragrance as well, but it is not quite as offensive as the smell of durian. It has a taste that is reminiscent of a combination of banana, pineapple, apple, and perhaps a touch of mango. Many people think of it as being similar to a tasty piece of Juicy Fruit gum.
It’s a common misconception that only fully ripe jackfruits or durians may be consumed. When cooked, even the immature fruit of these two plants may be consumed. It pairs particularly well with stews, meat meals, and vegetarian cuisines.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Culinary Uses
A recipe for pulled pork substitute would benefit tremendously by include jackfruit. In light of the recent movement away from eating meat and processed foods, this is an excellent substitute for both. Although it has less protein than meat, jackfruit has a feel that is comparable to that of meat.
Therefore, if you use jackfruit as a replacement for meat and you want to eat a diet that is well-balanced, you may need to add a little bit of additional protein to make up for what you are missing out on. The combination of jackfruit and beans is a tasty one, so why not give it a shot?
Even mature jackfruit seeds are tasty. You may nibble on them the same way you would on nuts by boiling, roasting, or popping them into the oven to cook them. Cooked jackfruit seeds taste like almond and sunflower seeds.
Even in the neighborhood farmer’s market, it is rare to see unripe durian offered for sale. On the other hand, much like the adaptable jackfruit, durian has the potential to be a pleasant gastronomic surprise. The flavor of less-ripe durians, which is practically identical to that of chicken, is a superb complement to vegetables. You may even make them into the renowned durian chips that are served in Thailand.
Additionally, ripe durian is used as a component in some kinds of ice cream, candy, bread, and other sweets and treats. Roasting or boiling the durian seed may also make it into a nutritious finger snack, much as it can be done with jackfruit.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Health Benefits
So, what exactly is included inside these fruits, and how exactly can you profit from eating them?
Jackfruit is loaded with critical nutrients in addition to the vitamin C that it contains. It also contains a very little amount of protein and fiber. In addition to that, it is an excellent source of vitamin A, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese.
Jackfruit has a low glycemic index, which means that it may help control blood sugar levels. In addition to containing a high amount of protein and antioxidants, it has the ability to prevent an increase in blood sugar levels. People also utilize the low-calorie content of jackfruit to aid in their efforts to maintain their weight.
The seed of the jackfruit possesses qualities that make it effective as a laxative, as well as anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory treatment.
A boatload of advantages may be gained by eating durian, making it one of the healthiest fruits that can be purchased. When compared to other fruits, such as the jackfruit, the durian is not something that should be taken lightly. You may satiate your cravings for thiamine, niacin, folate, magnesium, and other nutritive ingredients with only one cup of pulp.
The consumption of durian provides several advantages to one’s health due to the abundance of beneficial plant chemicals and antioxidants that it contains. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize dangerous free radicals, hence lowering the chance of developing cancer. Additionally, it has the ability to prevent heart disease, combat infections, and reduce blood sugar levels.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Origin and Habitat
In addition to having a comparable structure on the physical level, the durian and jackfruit also have comparable traits in their respective botanical architectures. Both of these fruits are borne on trees that thrive in warm, wet climates. Because of this, you may find a lot of them throughout Southeast Asia. The leaves of each tree are similarly glossy and fashioned like an oblong.
The durian tree tends to grow to be a little bit higher than the jackfruit tree. It has the potential to reach a height of a towering 150 feet. It’s roughly 40 feet tall, compared to the typical jackfruit tree’s 80 feet, so it’s not even close to being as big.
One other distinction between the jackfruit and the durian is the way in which the fruits develop on the respective trees. As the jackfruit tree matures, the fruits will develop into clusters around the trunk or on the branches that are close by.
Although durian fruits may sometimes be found on the tree trunk, they are more often seen clinging to the tree’s branches. If you observe either of the fruit trees in their natural settings in the forest, you may recognize them by following these steps.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Peak Season
The availability of jackfruit varies greatly depending on region. Roughly between the months of March and June, ripe jackfruits may be found in certain locations. In some other locations, the peak season might last anywhere from April to September. A single jackfruit tree has the potential to produce anything from 10 to 200 fruits in a single year.
You may commonly find ripe jackfruit for sale in supermarkets and gourmet food shops in some locations. Additionally, unripe ones that are sold in cans are also available.
The blossoms of the durian usually start to bloom between the months of March and June. Because of this, its peak season often falls between the months of July and September; the peak happens after the flowers blossom. There is a possibility of a brief period of expansion between the months of December and February.
During the busy seasons, durians are not only more affordable but also of higher quality. Additionally, this is the point in time when they have the most delicious flavor. One durian tree is capable of producing anything from 15 to 200 fruits in a single year, which is quite an impressive amount.
Jackfruit vs. Durian: Scent
Naturally, we can’t wrap up this essay without discussing the scent of the fruits, as it is the quality that stands out the most among them.
We are aware of the reputation that the durian has, and we cannot fault public spaces and airplanes for not allowing it. The odor is often equated to that of something putrid and foul-smelling. Even more extreme, the American chef Anthony Bourdain compared it to “French kissing your dead granny.”
The aroma of durian is something that everyone has an opinion on, but those who have tasted it have nothing but positive things to say about its flavor.
Jackfruit is not offensively unpleasant in any way, but it does have a powerful odor. Although there is a hint of sweetness to the aroma, there is also a distinct decaying quality to it. Because of this, it is possible that some people may find it unpleasant, and it has also been made illegal to use in enclosed spaces.
Jackfruits may be transported on an aircraft as cargo, despite the fact that passengers are not permitted to bring them inside the cabin with them.
Takeaway
When comparing jackfruit and durian, despite the fact that they seem to be the same, they are in fact quite distinct from one another. Both the outside and the inside of durians and jackfruits display significant differences since they are not members of the same family. And the flavors of the fruits are quite different from one another.
Since this is the case, you cannot use one in place of the other. One thing is certain, and that is the fact that you may use either one in place of items made with meat.
Whether you like jackfruits or durians, it’s important to be aware that both provide a number of health benefits thanks to the nutrients they contain. Keep a straight face and serve yourself to a serving of any of these fruits, but be sure to cover your mouth first.