Difference between Jackfruit and Durian

Jackfruit and durian are two large tropical fruits that often get mixed up because of how they look. Both have thick green skins, spiky textures, and strong smells—but they are not the same. These fruits come from different parts of Asia and belong to different plant families. While jackfruit is more common and used in many savoury dishes, durian is famous for its creamy texture and strong smell. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes each fruit special and how they differ in appearance, taste, and smell.

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit generally grows in the coastal areas of southern India. It belongs to the Moraceae plant family. It’s full of good nutrients like antioxidants, fibre, and potassium. On the outside, jackfruit has a green and bumpy shell. Inside, it has bright yellow pieces of fruit with seeds. It can be hard to cut open, but once it is done, the fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in curries, made into chips, and used in many other recipes.

What is Durian?

Durian is thought to have come from the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Malvaceae plant family. It may look like a smaller jackfruit because of its green, spiky shell, but it’s quite different inside. Durian is well known for its strong smell, which many people don’t like. But it's still called a superfood because it has iron, vitamin C, and potassium. It also helps to gain muscle strength. 

Durian mostly grows in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Inside its hard shell are soft, creamy white pods. When you eat durian, you’ll taste a mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavours all at once. Durian trees need tropical climates to grow.

Are Jackfruit and Durian the Same?

No, they’re not. Even though they look a little alike and both grow in Southeast Asia, they come from different plant families.

Jackfruit and durian may look alike at first glance, but they come from completely different plant families and regions. Their historical roots also vary, with jackfruit being much older in cultivation. Understanding where each fruit comes from can help us appreciate its cultural and botanical differences more clearly.

Let’s explore the differences between jackfruit and durian given below in the table.

Difference between Jackfruit and Durian

Conclusion

Jackfruit and durian may both look green, spiky, scaly, big, and smelly, but they are very different fruits. Jackfruit is bigger and has a sweet, chewy texture. Durian is smaller, very creamy, and has a strong smell that many people don’t like. Both are healthy and used in different ways. If you can get past the smell, you’ll find that each fruit has its special taste and use.