Two fruits from south-east Asia have recently risen in popularity in the UK. Jackfruit and durian are noticeable for their thorny skins, bold flavour, and distinctive scents. So, how do you tell them apart? Is there a better fruit for taste and nutrition? Here we look at the prominent features of the jackfruit and the durian, how to tell them apart and what makes them special.
Jackfruit and Durian Appearance
Jackfruit and durian come in a range of colours, ranging from gold to brown and green. From the outside, the rinds look similar since they are covered in spikes or thorns. But there are small differences, for example, the thorns of the durian are larger and tend to be sharper. The jackfruit has softer, flatter spines and is easier to handle without gloves. The durian is generally smaller compared to the jackfruit, although you can also get larger durians. Jackfruit can reach up to 35 inches in length and it is one of the largest fruits in the world.
Jackfruit: Nutrition and Taste
Jackfruit has become much more popular in the west and is increasingly seen on restaurant menus. Jackfruit supplier companies provide this fruit to serve as a tasty meat substitute or to use in sweet dishes. Jackfruit flesh is fibrous and the texture resembles meat. It is often used as a meat substitute in pulled pork or chicken dishes. Jackfruit contains high levels of potassium, iron, and calcium. It is slightly sweet in taste and the smell is not as overpowering as the durian.
Durian: Taste and Smell
The first thing to mention when discussing durian is the smell. This fruit has a distinctive and, some may say, overpowering scent. People love it or hate it. The fruit is banned on most public transport in countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Durian fruits are sweet but they also have hints of other tastes such as spice. The texture is like thick custard. It is important to judge the ripeness of durian as these fruits turn bad quickly.
Similarities Between the Fruits
Both south-east Asian favourites are strong providers of a range of vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C, phosphorous and zinc. They also contain protein and fats. There is plenty of fibre in the fruit and this makes them good for the digestion. Other health benefits linked to durian and jackfruit include anti-ageing properties, reduction in constipation and heartburn, and blood pressure lowering effects. They do contain natural sugar, which makes them unsuitable in large amounts for people with diabetes.
If you are looking for a distinctive ingredient to raise the profile of a dish, jackfruit and durian are both strong contenders for the role. Jackfruit is currently the most popular with UK restaurants and food manufacturers. Find a supplier of jackfruit in the UK for a fresh and healthy meat replacement or an ingredient in an Asian-inspired meal.
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