Cover Jackfruits grow rounder compared to cempedak (Photo: Unsplash)
Jackfruits grow rounder compared to cempedak (Photo: Unsplash)
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We’re shining the spotlight on the differences between cempedak and jackfruit
From fruit stalls brimming with mangosteen to durian stands popping up multiple times a year, it is no secret that we’re blessed with an abundance of tropical fruits in Malaysia. While on the hunt for fresh fruit, you may come across two seemingly interchangeable varieties. Both green, spiky, and lined with bright yellow pulp, jackfruit and cempedak are often considered the same fruit.
They are, in fact, botanical cousins, each with their own characteristics and profiles. We’re shedding some light on the differences between these two fruits to ease any confusion you may have the next time you’re shopping for fruit.
Read more: Can you not mix alcohol with durian? Debunking myths about the fruit
Size
Above Jackfruits have a more irregular, rounder shape (Photo: Getty Images)
Above A pile of cempedak fruits (Photo: Getty Images)
Jackfruits have a more irregular, rounder shape (Photo: Getty Images)
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At first glance, the most obvious difference between cempedak and jackfruit is their size. While both can grow to impressive proportions, jackfruit is known as the largest tree-borne fruit in the world.
Cempedak fruits typically grow to 15 kilograms, while jackfruit can reach a whopping 55 kilograms. Their shapes appear different as well, with cempedak growing more oblong and jackfruit resembling irregular ovals.
Smell
Above Jackfruits at a market (Photo: Instagram / @robertisherefruitstandandfarm)
Above Cartons full of cempedak fruits (Photo: Instagram / @ahyew0605)
Jackfruits at a market (Photo: Instagram / @robertisherefruitstandandfarm)
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While nowhere near as pungent as durian, cempedak’s aroma is generally stronger and more robust. Jackfruit, on the other hand, is less confronting on the nose and has a more subtle smell compared to other thorny green fruits.
See also: Mid-Autumn Festival 2024: 6 durian mooncakes to try
Texture and Flavour
Above The interior of a cempedak (Photo: Instagram / @ahyew0605)
Above Jackfruit flesh (Photo: Instagram / @golden_harvest8)
The interior of a cempedak (Photo: Instagram / @ahyew0605)
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Cempedak and jackfruit differ in both texture and flavour. Cempedak pulp is softer and not unlike custardy durian flesh. They tend to be paler and more delicate than the insides of jackfruit, which are much firmer and meatier.
Much milder than cempedak, the flavour of jackfruit has been compared to a combination of apple, banana, mango, and pineapple.
Uses
A plate of fried cempedak (Photo: Instagram / @xiilaaa)
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In local cuisine, jackfruit is often eaten raw but is commonly used as a plant-based meat substitute in other parts of the world. Its meaty texture and milder profile make it an excellent vegan alternative.
While fried jackfruit is not uncommon in Malaysia, cempedak is typically found turned into fritters. Jackfruit-infused desserts are also becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia.
Don’t miss: 9 plant-based restaurants in Malaysia
Season
Jackfruits grow all year round (Photo: Unsplash)
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Timing does matter when it comes to procuring these fruits. Cempedak has a shorter season, often falling around mid-year. If jackfruit is your fruit of choice, you’re in luck. They’re available year-round, with peak seasons varying from region to region.
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About
Chelsea is a Dining Writer for Tatler Malaysia. When she’s not eating or writing about eating, she’s probably deciphering which oat milks froth the best for homemade flat whites.
Work
Chelsea writes about where to find great food and is passionate about exploring the cultural significance of different cuisines.
