By Nutriworld | Dt. Dipanwita Saha
When you walk into a tropical fruit market and spot large, spiky, green fruits, chances are you’re looking at either durian, jackfruit, or breadfruit. But here’s the twist — while these fruits may look like siblings, they’re as different as apples and oranges when it comes to taste, nutrition, smell, and usage.
Let’s dive into this fascinating fruity mix-up anddiscover how these three fruits are similar on the outside but wildly different on the inside — quite literally!
1. Jackfruit – The Versatile Wonder of India
✅ What it Looks Like:
- Size: Can weigh up to 30–40 kg!
- Exterior: Greenish-yellow skin with tiny cone-like spikes
- Interior: Golden-yellow pods (fleshy bulbs), each containing a seed
🥗 Taste & Texture:
- Raw Jackfruit (Kathal): Meaty, fibrous — used as a vegetarian meat substitute
- Ripe Jackfruit: Sweet, tropical, banana-mango-pineapple combo
🧂 How It’s Used in India:
- Curries & Biryani: Especially in North India and Kerala
- Chips & Sabzi: Deep-fried or dry-cooked
- Desserts: Pankam (jackfruit drink), halwa, sheera
- Vegan Meat: A trend in plant-based diets worldwide!
🧪 Nutritional Highlights:
- High in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C
- Great for digestion and heart health
- Seeds are rich in protein and can be roasted or boiled
2. Durian – The King of Fruits (and Controversy!)
✅ What it Looks Like:
- Slightly smaller than jackfruit
- Pointier, sharper spikes, brown-green skin
- Cracks open with thick cream-colored flesh inside
🤢 Smell Warning!
Often banned in hotels, flights, and metros in Southeast Asia due to its strong odor — compared to rotten onions, sewage, or turpentine!
🍮 Taste & Texture:
- Texture: Custard-like, creamy
- Taste: Sweet with a hint of garlic-onion — loved or hated, no in-between!
🍴 Common Uses:
- Eaten raw
- Used in ice creams, cakes, milkshakes, even pizzas in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia
- Rarely seen in Indian markets but gaining curiosity among foodies
🧪 Nutritional Highlights:
- Rich in calories, vitamin C, and healthy fats
- Contains tryptophan – known to promote better sleep
- Acts as a natural energy booster
3. Breadfruit – The Unknown Cousin
✅ What it Looks Like:
- Almost same size as small jackfruit
- Smooth but dotted skin, less spiky than jackfruit or durian
- Creamy white inside with a potato-like core
🥔 Taste & Texture:
- Tastes more like bread or potato when cooked
- Mild flavor, starchy texture — nothing fruity!
🍛 How It’s Used:
- Boiled, baked, roasted, or fried
- Often used in Caribbean and Pacific Island cuisines
- Can be used to make breadfruit fries, curries, or mashed dishes
- In India, seen rarely in coastal belts of Tamil Nadu or Goa
🧪 Nutritional Highlights:
- High in complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Low in fat
- Gluten-free and great for gut health
Jackfruit vs Durian vs Breadfruit – Key Differences
| Feature | Jackfruit | Durain | Breadfruit |
|---|---|---|---|
Smell | Sweet, fruity | Strong, pungent | Neutral, mild |
Taste | Mango-banana like | Custard, sweet-savory | Potato or bread-like |
Texture | Fibrous, chewy | Creamy, soft | Starchy, dense |
Used In | Indian dishes | Southeast Asian sweets | Savory meals & baking |
Availability in India | Widely available | Rare, imported | Very limited |
Nutritional Benefit | High fiber & potassium | Energy, healthy fats | Complex carbs, gluten-free |
Did You Know?
- Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and also the largest tree-borne fruit in the world.
- Durian is banned in many public spaces in Asia because of its strong smell.
- Breadfruit trees can yield up to 200 fruits per season and were once used as a food source for ship sailors!
Why Should You Care?
If you’re a health-conscious foodie or a curious traveler, understanding these look-alike fruits can help you:
- Avoid mistakes while buying or cooking
- Discover new plant-based options (great for vegetarians and vegans)
- Add nutrient-rich tropical superfoods to your diet
Where Can You Buy These in India?
- Jackfruit is easily found in markets during summer (March to July)
- Durian is imported and sold in premium fruit stores or online platforms like Amazon Fresh & Big Basket (Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi)
- Breadfruit is limited but available in Goa, Kerala, and coastal Karnataka – local names include “Neerphanas” or “Kadachakka”
📢 Final Thoughts
Next time you spot a large spiky fruit, take a second look — it might just surprise your nose and your taste buds! Whether you’re enjoying a jackfruit curry, braving the smell of durian, or exploring breadfruit fries, remember — not all green giants are the same.
They may look like brothers, but their flavors are a world apart!
Hello! I'm Dietician Dipanwita Saha is the founder of Nutriworld and a dedicated clinical dietitian. I focus on helping individuals improve their health through personalized diet plans that are based on scientific principles. I believes that proper nutrition is crucial for healing and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, whether someone is recovering from an illness or managing a health condition
