Jackfruit vs Breadfruit: What’s the Difference and Which is Better for You?
Jackfruit and breadfruit are two tropical fruits that look similar but have some key differences. Both come from the mulberry family, but they vary in taste, texture, nutrition, and how they’re used in cooking. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between jackfruit vs breadfruit to help you decide which one might be right for your meals.
Where Do They Come From?
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is native to South and Southeast Asia and is known for its huge, heavy fruit that can grow up to 80 pounds!
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), on the other hand, is believed to come from New Guinea and the Indo-Malay region. It’s a smaller, starchy fruit but still quite large compared to many other fruits.
Both fruits are tropical, and their trees grow in warm, lowland areas. Interestingly, both trees produce latex (rubber-like sap), which can be used for things like caulking boats.
Taste, Texture, and Aroma
The biggest difference between jackfruit and breadfruit lies in their taste and texture.
Jackfruit: Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical flavor that’s a mix of pineapple, banana, and onion. It has a rubbery texture and is typically eaten when it’s fully ripe. Jackfruit can be quite aromatic when ripe, often giving off a strong, fruity smell.
Breadfruit: Breadfruit is milder in taste. It’s usually eaten before it’s fully ripe, giving it a potato-like texture. When ripe, breadfruit is soft and creamy but doesn’t have the intense flavor of jackfruit. The smell is more earthy and mild, with hints of banana and pumpkin.
Nutritional Comparison: Jackfruit vs Breadfruit
Both jackfruit and breadfruit are healthy, but they have different nutritional benefits:
Fiber: Breadfruit contains more fiber than jackfruit, with 4.9 grams of fiber per serving, compared to just 1.5 grams in jackfruit.
Vitamins and Minerals: Breadfruit is richer in Vitamin C, iron, manganese, and phosphorus than jackfruit.
Sugar and Fat: Jackfruit has a higher sugar content (19.08 grams) and more fat than breadfruit (11 grams). So if you’re looking for a fruit with fewer sugars, breadfruit might be a better option.
Protein: Breadfruit offers a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids, while jackfruit is considered an incomplete protein.
Both jackfruit and breadfruit can be used in a variety of dishes, but their preparation and flavor profiles differ:
Jackfruit is most often eaten when it’s ripe and sweet, making it a great addition to desserts, smoothies, or even savory dishes like curries. It’s also used as a plant-based meat substitute in vegetarian recipes due to its texture, which can mimic pulled pork when cooked.
Breadfruit is typically eaten before it’s fully ripe and can be prepared like potatoes—boiled, roasted, or baked. It has a bland, starchy flavor, which makes it perfect for savory dishes. In Polynesia, breadfruit is often roasted and then stuffed with corned beef or other fillings.
Both fruits can be eaten raw, cooked, or baked, and both have edible seeds, which can be boiled or roasted.
Plant Biology and Growth
Here are some interesting plant facts about jackfruit and breadfruit:
Jackfruit grows directly from the trunk of the tree, whereas breadfruit grows at the end of branches.
Jackfruit trees are known for producing massive fruits, some weighing as much as 80 pounds, while breadfruits can grow up to 7 pounds each.
Both trees exude latex, which is a rubbery substance that can be used in various ways, such as sealing boats.
Which One Should You Choose: Jackfruit vs Breadfruit?
The choice between jackfruit and breadfruit really depends on your needs:
If you’re looking for a sweet, tropical fruit to add to your desserts, smoothies, or even meatless dishes, jackfruit is your best bet. It’s sweet, flavorful, and very versatile.
If you need a starchy, savory fruit that can replace potatoes or be used in hearty meals, breadfruit is the way to go. It’s more neutral in flavor and can be cooked in various ways.
Conclusion
Both jackfruit vs breadfruit offer unique flavors and nutritional benefits. Jackfruit is sweet, aromatic, and packed with sugar, while breadfruit is milder, starchy, and high in fiber and essential vitamins. Whether you’re making a tropical curry, dessert, or a savory side dish, both fruits have something special to offer.
So, next time you’re in the grocery store or market, try both! Pairing breadfruit in a savory dish with fresh jackfruit in a dessert could give you the best of both worlds!
