Jackfruit: A Tropical Giant
Jackfruit, or Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a tropical fruit native to South India and Southeast Asia. Its massive, spiky, greenish-yellow exterior conceals a multitude of edible pods, each with a smooth, fibrous flesh. The flavor and texture vary greatly depending on ripeness. Ripe jackfruit is famously sweet, described as a blend of banana, mango, and pineapple, with a pleasant, fruity smell. Unripe (green) jackfruit is starchy, has a neutral flavor, and, due to its stringy texture, is a popular meat substitute in many vegan and vegetarian dishes. A sticky, white, latex-like sap is exuded during preparation, a characteristic shared by some relatives.
The Closest Relatives: Cempedak and Breadfruit
These two fruits belong to the same botanical family (Moraceae) and genus (Artocarpus) as jackfruit, making them the most genuinely similar fruits.
Cempedak: Jackfruit's Smaller, Sweeter Cousin
Cempedak, a fruit widely grown in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia, is often mistaken for jackfruit. While the two fruits share a spiky exterior and similar internal structure, cempedak has some distinct differences.
- Size: Cempedak is significantly smaller than jackfruit, rarely growing more than 13 pounds.
- Taste and Texture: The ripe flesh is typically softer, more succulent, and sweeter than jackfruit. It can be quite creamy and almost slippery on the tongue. Some varieties have hints of caramel or durian in their flavor profile.
- Aroma: A key differentiator is its pungent and powerful aroma, which is often stronger than jackfruit's and may remind some of durian.
- Culinary Uses: Ripe cempedak is delicious when eaten fresh, but it is also a local favorite for deep-frying in a flour batter, much like fried bananas.
Breadfruit: The Starchy, Savory Sibling
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is another member of the jackfruit family, with a similar bumpy, green rind. However, its culinary role is completely different.
- Ripeness and Texture: Breadfruit is most commonly eaten unripe, when its texture is starchy and dense, much like a potato. The flesh is firm and white. A ripe breadfruit is softer and can have a creamy interior.
- Flavor: Unlike jackfruit, unripe breadfruit has a neutral, earthy flavor, making it perfect for savory dishes. Ripe breadfruit has a mild, sweet, and banana-like scent.
- Culinary Uses: It is almost always cooked before eating. It can be baked, boiled, fried, or roasted, and is a staple carbohydrate in many Pacific and Caribbean cuisines.
- Nutrition: Breadfruit is notable for being a complete protein source, a trait that jackfruit lacks.
Other Tropical Fruits with Similar Traits
While not in the same genus, other tropical fruits share certain characteristics that draw comparisons to jackfruit.
Durian: The Infamous “King of Fruits”
Durian is from a completely different family (Malvaceae), but is frequently compared to jackfruit due to its large, spiky exterior and Southeast Asian origin.
- Smell: The most famous distinction is durian’s pungent, often polarizing odor, a characteristic that jackfruit does not share to the same degree.
- Flavor: Durian flavor is far more complex than jackfruit, with creamy flesh that can be sweet, savory, or even cheesy, with hints of caramel and almond.
- Texture: The texture of durian is creamy and custard-like, contrasting with jackfruit's more fibrous, dense flesh.
Marang: A Creamy, Fragrant Option
Marang, or Artocarpus odoratissimus, is another member of the same genus as jackfruit.
- Flavor and Texture: It is highly regarded for its delicious, juicy, and creamy flesh, often described as having a hint of vanilla custard and banana. Many consider its flavor superior to both jackfruit and cempedak.
- Aroma: Marang has a strong scent, though it is not as overwhelming or intense as durian's.
- Seeds: Like jackfruit, its seeds are also edible when cooked.
Comparison of Jackfruit and Similar Fruits
| Feature | Jackfruit | Cempedak | Breadfruit | Durian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Family | Moraceae (Fig, Mulberry) | Moraceae | Moraceae | Malvaceae (Mallow) |
| Appearance | Large, oblong, spiky green rind | Smaller, more cylindrical, smoother spikes | Medium-sized, roundish, bumpy green rind | Smaller, round, very sharp thorns |
| Ripe Flavor | Sweet (mango, pineapple, banana) | Very sweet, sometimes hint of caramel | Mild, sweet, banana-like | Complex (sweet, savory, creamy) |
| Unripe Flavor | Neutral, starchy, absorbs spices | Not commonly used unripe | Starchy, potato-like | Mild, like chicken (in some varieties) |
| Texture | Fibrous, dense, juicy pods | Softer, creamier, often slippery | Starchy, firm (unripe); creamy (ripe) | Rich, creamy, custard-like |
| Aroma | Sweet, fruity, pleasant | Pungent, stronger than jackfruit | Mild, earthy (unripe); light banana (ripe) | Strong, pungent, often described as foul |
| Main Use (Ripe) | Fresh eating, desserts | Fresh eating, deep-frying | N/A (mostly cooked unripe) | Fresh eating, desserts |
| Main Use (Unripe) | Savory dishes (meat substitute) | Not as common | Staple carbohydrate (cooked) | Savory dishes (some varieties) |
Expanding the List: Other Potential Comparisons
While not as closely related, a few other fruits might draw comparisons to jackfruit depending on the specific attribute being considered.
- Figs and Mulberries: These are in the same plant family (Moraceae) as jackfruit, but they bear little resemblance in size or culinary application. They are, however, botanically related.
- Soursop and Custard Apple: These fruits, from the Annona genus, have a creamy white flesh and a tropical, sweet flavor. Soursop is often compared to a mix of pineapple, banana, and citrus. This textural creaminess and tropical flavor profile can evoke aspects of ripe jackfruit or marang.
- Mango and Pineapple: These are frequently mentioned in describing the flavor of ripe jackfruit, which has a mix of their sweet and tropical notes. While they are not similar in texture or appearance, the flavor profile similarity is notable.
Conclusion
From a botanical standpoint, cempedak and breadfruit are the most similar fruits to jackfruit, belonging to the same family and genus. Cempedak is the most comparable in terms of sweet, ripe fruit, though it has a softer texture and more intense aroma. Breadfruit shares the family but is culinarily distinct, serving as a starchy vegetable when unripe. When considering broader sensory comparisons, durian shares a similar spiky exterior but has a vastly different flavor and aroma. Marang offers a delicious, creamy alternative within the same genus. Exploring these tropical counterparts allows for new culinary experiences, whether seeking a meat substitute or a unique, sweet dessert ingredient.
To learn more about the differences between two relatives, visit the Hawaii Ulu Cooperative's article on breadfruit and jackfruit.
Note: The stickiness of jackfruit and its relatives can be managed by applying cooking oil to hands and knives during preparation.
