Is jackfruit the same as durian?

No, jackfruit and durian are entirely different tropical fruits, despite their similar spiky green exteriors and large size. Jackfruit belongs to the fig family (Moraceae), while durian belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae).

The primary difference lies in their odor and taste. Durian is famous for its intense, pungent smell—often described as sulfur-like or rotten onions—and features a rich, custard-like flesh. Jackfruit has a sweet, pleasant fruity aroma similar to bubblegum or banana. Inside, jackfruit contains firm, fibrous yellow pods rather than creamy custard. While ripe jackfruit is sweet and green jackfruit is used in savory cooking, durian is consumed mostly as a sweet, custard-like delicacy in Southeast Asia.