The Botanical Family: The Moraceae Connection
Jackfruit's family is the Moraceae, also commonly known as the mulberry or fig family. This diverse botanical group includes over 70 genera of trees and shrubs, many of which are known for their edible fruits. The term "sister" in botany refers to a fruit from the same genus, and in the case of the jackfruit, its full botanical classification is Artocarpus heterophyllus. This places it firmly within the Artocarpus genus, which is full of close relatives.
The True "Sisters": Breadfruit and Chempedak
The most recognized and closely related "sisters" of the jackfruit are the breadfruit and the chempedak, both sharing the same genus, Artocarpus.
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
Believed to have originated in the New Guinea and Indo-Malay regions, breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical climates. This fruit is typically smaller and rounder than the jackfruit, and is characterized by its deeply lobed leaves. Unlike the jackfruit, breadfruit is primarily used as a starchy vegetable when unripe and is often compared to a potato in texture and flavor when cooked. Both trees exude a sticky white latex sap.
Chempedak (Artocarpus integer)
Another very close relative is the chempedak, a fruit native to Southeast Asia that is especially popular in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia. The chempedak is smaller and more elongated than the jackfruit, with a more pungent and often described as durian-like smell when ripe. Its flesh is generally a darker yellow, softer, and sweeter than ripe jackfruit.
Other Relatives
Beyond these two prominent sisters, other members of the Artocarpus genus include the breadnut (Artocarpus camansi) and the marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus). These fruits also share the characteristic large, often spiky, exterior and edible interior found in the jackfruit.
A Quick Comparison of Jackfruit, Breadfruit, and Chempedak
To help differentiate these tropical relatives, here is a quick comparison table outlining their key features.
| Feature | Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) | Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) | Chempedak (Artocarpus integer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | South Asia (Western Ghats region) | New Guinea and Indo-Malay region | Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia) |
| Size | Largest tree-borne fruit (up to 90+ lbs) | Significantly smaller, typically under 13 lbs | Smaller than jackfruit, cylindrical to spherical |
| Appearance | Large, oblong shape, thick bumpy skin | Rounder, ovoid shape, rough surface | Smaller, elongated, with raised or flat pentagonal facets |
| Culinary Use | Versatile: unripe is a meat substitute; ripe is sweet | Starchy, potato-like vegetable when unripe | Very sweet, sometimes pungent, eaten ripe |
| Growing Location | Directly from the trunk and main branches | On branches at the ends | On branches and main trunk |
Culinary Versatility: From Savory to Sweet
All three fruits exhibit remarkable versatility in the kitchen, but their optimal use varies by ripeness and species.
- Jackfruit: When unripe, its fibrous, neutral-flavored flesh is a popular plant-based alternative for dishes like BBQ pulled pork or vegan tacos. When ripe, the yellow, fleshy pods are sweet and can be used in desserts, ice cream, or eaten fresh.
- Breadfruit: Best known for its use as a starchy vegetable, breadfruit is most commonly baked, roasted, boiled, or fried. When cooked, its flavor is often compared to freshly baked bread or a potato, and it is a staple in many Pacific Island cultures.
- Chempedak: The ripe chempedak is highly prized for its sweet, fragrant flesh, which has a hint of durian and caramel. The seeds of all three relatives are also edible when cooked.
Distinguishing Features from Similar Fruits
It is easy to confuse these fruits with others that bear a similar appearance. The durian, for example, is famous for its spiky exterior and creamy, pungent-smelling flesh, but it is not a member of the Artocarpus genus. Its flavor and powerful smell are distinct from the more mild jackfruit and its relatives.
For more detailed botanical information on these species, see the National Tropical Botanical Garden's website on breadfruit.
Conclusion
While jackfruit is the star of its family for many, the title of its closest "sister" is shared by several other fruits, most notably the breadfruit and chempedak. These fruits are not only close relatives in the same botanical family and genus but also offer a wide range of culinary possibilities. Their shared lineage within the Moraceae family explains their similar outward appearance, even as their internal characteristics and flavor profiles prove to be wonderfully diverse.
