Durian
and jackfruit are the most distinctive and attractive fruits in the world of
fruits. Everybody loves them for their large size, unique appearance and
excellent taste. Although these two fruits look similar, their taste, nutrition
and health benefits differ. In this article, I will share the similarities and
differences between durian and jackfruit. Now let's enter into the world of durian
vs jackfruit.
Durian vs Jackfruit: An Overview
What Is Durian?
Durian
is famous for its powerful odor and rich creamy flesh. It originates from
Southeast Asia, This spiky fruit is known for its unusual smell. Some find its
smell attractive and others find it repulsive. Despite this, people love durian
for its custard-like texture and intense savory-sweet flavor. Actually, durian
is an uncommon fruit.
Nutritional
Value of Durian
Durian
(Durio species) is a unique and highly nutritious fruit. It is called
the king of fruits for its distinctive smell and rich creamy flesh. Usually
durian contains calories, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fat, vitamin
B6(pyridoxine), folate (B9), niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and thiamine (B1),
vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, antioxidants
and Phytochemicals like polyphenols and flavonoids, beta-carotene, amino acids,
phytonutrients and about 65% water content.
Flavor
and Aroma of Durian
Durian
has a rich, creamy and sweet flavor. Its aroma is controversial and is
described as a mix of sulfur, onion and sweet cheese. Although its smell is
overwhelming, its taste is liked by many people.
What Is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit
is the king of fruits. It is one of the biggest fruits in the world. It weighs
over 20 pounds. It originates from South Asia. Unlike durian, jackfruit has a
mild, sweet and delicious flavor.
Nutritional
Value of Jackfruit
Jackfruit
(Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a big fruit. It is packed with a
variety of essential nutrients. It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary
fiber, vitamins and minerals. Mainly, jackfruit contains calories,
carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fat, vitamin A (Beta-Carotene), vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine), folate (Vitamin B9), niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and thiamine
(B1), vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, fiber, antioxidants
and phytochemicals like polyphenols and flavonoids, lignans, amino acids,
phytonutrients and about 73% water content. It is very hydrating and
refreshing.
Flavor
and Texture of Jackfruit
Jackfruit
has a mild and sweet flavor with a touch of pineapple, banana and mango. Its
texture is unique with a chewy and fibrous quality. It is a popular meat
substitute, especially when unripe. When ripe, its flavor becomes sweeter which
is refreshing.
Durian vs Jackfruit: A Comparative Analysis
Appearance and Exterior
Durian
and jackfruit are different in appearance. Durian has a greenish-brown spiny
shell. In contrast, jackfruit has a rough and fibrous exterior that turns green
to yellow as it ripens. Durian's skin is sharp. on the other hand, jackfruit
skin is dull and thick. They are easy to distinguish by their unique exterior
features.
Taste Comparison
Both
durian and jackfruit have unique flavors. But they are different in taste.
Durian has a creamy and custard-like texture that is sweet and savory. Its
flavor is like the flavors of almond, garlic and onion. It has a strong and
pungent aroma. On the other hand, jackfruit has a mild sweetness that tastes
like a mix of banana, mango and pineapple. It is more delicate and refreshing
than durian.
Nutritional Comparison
- Vitamin
C: Both durian and jackfruit contain vitamin C.
However, jackfruit contains a little more vitamin C. It contains 13.7 mg of
vitamin C per 100 grams. On the other hand, durian has 19.7 mg.
- Carbohydrates
and Sugars: Both fruits are rich in carbohydrates and
sugars. But durian has more sugar than jackfruit.
- Fiber: Durian has more
fiber than jackfruit.
- B Vitamins: Both fruits are
good sources of B vitamins. However, durian is slightly higher in B vitamins.
- Minerals: Both durian
and jackfruit are rich in potassium, magnesium and small amounts of iron.
However, durian contains more potassium. On the other hand, jackfruit is high
in calcium.
- Antioxidants and Polyphenols: Both fruits
contain antioxidants. Durian contains high levels of polyphenols. But
jackfruit’s polyphenols are different.
- Water content and Hydration: Both fruits are
hydrating. But the water content in jackfruit is slightly higher.
Health Benefit Comparison
Both durian and
jackfruit have unique health benefits. Some of the notable various health
benefits between them are as follows:
1. Immunity Boosting
- Durian: Durian is rich in vitamin C. It helps strengthen the immune system, fight infections and reduce oxidative stress in cells.
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C. It helps in boosting immunity. Its antioxidant capacity is lower than durian. However, its fiber helps the gut and boosts the immune system.
2. Healthy Heart
- Durian: Durian is rich in potassium and polyphenol antioxidants. They are beneficial for cardiovascular. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure. On the contrary, antioxidants help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit contains potassium and flavonoids. They keep the heart healthy. But it is slightly less than durian. The fiber in jackfruit controls cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. Healthy Digestion
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit is rich in fiber. It is very beneficial for digestion and regular bowel movements. It also prevents constipation.
- Durian: Durian contains less fiber than jackfruit. It is not as effective as jackfruit in increasing bowel regularity. However, it helps in digestion and provides prebiotic benefits for the gut.
4. Healthy Skin
- Durian: Durian's high vitamin C and antioxidants help fight free radicals, keep skin youthful and reduce signs of aging. It also helps in the production of collagen.
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit contains vitamin A. It is essential for skin cell regeneration. Its antioxidant-rich seeds keep the skin healthy.
5. Weight loss
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit is high in fiber and low in calories. It is good for weight loss. It helps control appetite and keeps the stomach full for a long time. It is also low in fat.
- Durian: Durian is high in calories and fat. It also helps in weight loss. But it is better to eat less for weight loss.
6. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
- Durian: Potassium in durian maintains electrolyte balance. But it has less water content than jackfruit.
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit has a high water content. So, it is more hydrating than durian. It is an ideal food on hot summer days. It also maintains electrolyte balance. As a result, muscles and nerves work well.
Culinary Comparison
There are some differences in the
culinary uses of durian and jackfruit. Now let's know the culinary differences
between durian and jackfruit.
Durian:
- Fresh Eating: Durian is eaten fresh like custard.
- Dessert: Durian is
popular in desserts. For its creamy texture and strong flavor, it is used in
cakes, ice cream and pastries. It is a popular food in pancakes and mochi.
- Smoothies and Milkshakes: Durian's creamy
texture and rich flavor are ideal for smoothies and milkshakes. It pairs well
with coconut milk or condensed milk.
- Savory Dishes: Raw durian is
used to cook curries.
- Candy and Snacks: Durian is
commonly dried and made into candy, chips or other snacks.
Jackfruit:
- Fresh Eating: Like durian,
jackfruit is eaten fresh. However, it is sweet and has a fibrous and chewy
texture.
- Vegan Meat Alternative: Raw jackfruit
is very popular for its meaty texture. It is commonly used as a meat substitute
in vegetarian dishes. It is used in pork chops, sandwiches and curries.
- Desserts and Sweets: The sweet
flavor of ripe jackfruit is perfect for desserts like puddings, ice cream and
cakes.
- Curries and Stews: Jackfruit is
cooked in curries and stews. Raw jackfruit absorbs spices well. It is popular
in savory recipes.
- Chips and Candies: Jackfruit is
thinly sliced and fried or dried to make chips. It is also used in
sweets and candies for its pleasant taste.
Uses of rind and Seeds:
- Durian: The rind of the durian is thick and thorny. It is usually discarded. In some areas, the durian seeds are eaten boiled or fried.
- Jackfruit: The skin of the
jackfruit is thick and rough. It is discarded. Its seeds are edible and are
eaten cooked.
FAQs
1. What is the difference
between durian and jackfruit?
Durian has a strong smell and creamy
flesh whereas jackfruit has a fibrous texture and is mildly sweet. It has no
smell but rather a sweet aroma.
2. Can you eat durian and jackfruit raw?
Yes, both fruits can be eaten raw.
Usually, durian is enjoyed fresh. On the other hand, jackfruit is enjoyed
either ripe or raw.
3. Which fruit is healthier: durian or jackfruit?
Both fruits are healthier. Durian is
high in healthy fats. On the other hand, jackfruit is high in fiber and low in
calories.
4. Why does the durian smell so bad?
The durian smell is so bad because of
the sulfur compounds in it.
5. Is jackfruit a good meat substitute?
Yes, the texture of ripe jackfruit is
like shredded meat which is popular in vegetarian cuisine.
Finally, both durian and jackfruit are
two unique fruits. Durian has a bad flavor and creamy texture. On the other
hand, jackfruit has a mild sweet aroma. Each fruit has its own unique health
benefits and culinary uses. However, people like both fruits. Some like them
less and some more. Anyway, from this article, I think you have got a detailed
idea about durian vs jackfruit. To read more such articles, you should
always stay with this blog site.
Do you want to add durian or jackfruit
to a new recipe? If you want, share your thoughts in our comments.
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