Jackfruit vs Durian: What's the Difference?
Short answer: Jackfruit and durian are not related - jackfruit is Artocarpus heterophyllus (fig/mulberry family), durian is Durio zibethinus (mallow family). Jackfruit is the larger of the two, with firm, mild, sweet golden bulbs that taste of banana and bubblegum and little smell. Durian is smaller, with soft, rich, custard-like flesh and a famously pungent sulphur-onion aroma. If it stinks, it's durian.
| 🍈 Jackfruit | 🫚 Durian | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Ripe pods are intensely aromatic and sweet — banana, pineapple, and bubblegum in one bite, with a satisfying chew. Unripe "green" jackfruit is neutral and fibrous, a texture chameleon for savory cooking. | Rich, sweet custard with notes of caramel, roasted garlic, almond, and cream cheese; the aroma is powerful and sulfurous. Texture ranges from silky to fudgy depending on variety and ripeness. |
| Type | Tropical & subtropical | Tropical & subtropical |
| Peak season | Spring, Summer | Summer, Autumn |
| Origin | Western Ghats of India | Borneo and Sumatra rainforests |
| Calories (per 100 g) | 95 | 147 |
| Sugar (per 100 g) | 19.1 g | 15 g |
| Vitamin C (per 100 g) | 13.8 mg | 19.7 mg |
| Typical price | Budget | Premium |
From across a market, jackfruit and durian are easy to mix up: both are massive, green, spiky, and sold in heavy whole or half fruit. Up close they could hardly be more different, and they aren’t even distant relatives.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is in the fig and mulberry family and holds the title of largest tree-borne fruit in the world. Cut it open and you find dozens of golden-yellow bulbs, each firm and slightly fibrous, wrapped around a seed. Ripe, they’re sweet and aromatic in a mild way - people reach for “banana,” “pineapple,” and “bubblegum.” Unripe (green) jackfruit is starchy and neutral, which is why it’s a popular meat substitute pulled into savoury dishes.
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is in the mallow family, alongside hibiscus and cacao. Its spikes are large and sharp enough to need gloves. Inside, the flesh is soft, dense, and custardy, with a rich, sweet, savoury-complex flavour - and an aroma so strong it’s banned in many hotels and on public transit. Fans call it the “king of fruits”; others can’t get past the smell.
The quick test: if it reeks, it’s durian; if it’s mild and enormous, it’s jackfruit.
Frequently asked questions
Are jackfruit and durian the same thing?
No. They're often confused because both are large, heavy, green, spiky tropical fruits, but they belong to entirely different families. Jackfruit is a relative of figs and mulberries; durian is a relative of hibiscus and cacao. Their spikes even differ - jackfruit's are small and blunt, durian's are large and genuinely sharp.
Which one smells so strong?
That's durian. Its ripe flesh gives off a powerful aroma often described as onions, gym socks, or gas, strong enough that it's banned on some public transport and in many hotels. Jackfruit smells mild and fruity by comparison.
Which is bigger?
Jackfruit - it's the largest fruit that grows on a tree, sometimes topping 30 kg. Durian is large and heavy too but usually 1-4 kg.