Why Jackfruit Smells Bad: What You Need to Know Before Trying It

Why Jackfruit Smells Bad: What You Need to Know Before Trying It

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has gained a lot of attention lately, especially among vegans and vegetarians in the U.S. It’s famous for its meat-like texture when unripe and its sweet flavor when fully ripe. But there’s one thing that tends to catch people off guard — its smell.

So, why does jackfruit smell bad to some people? If you’ve ever walked past a jackfruit stand or opened a ripe jackfruit at home, you may have noticed a strong, strange odor. Some say it smells like a mix of pineapple and bubblegum. Others say it smells like vomit, gas, or even rotting onions. Let’s break down what’s really going on here.

What Is Jackfruit?

There are two main ways to eat jackfruit:

1. Unripe jackfruit: Used as a meat substitute in dishes like tacos, curries, and BBQ sandwiches.
2. Ripe jackfruit: Eaten as a sweet fruit. The soft, yellow-orange pods around the seeds are sweet and juicy when ripe.

Why Jackfruit Smells Bad

So, let’s get to the heart of it: Why does jackfruit smell bad to some people, especially the first time?

1. Volatile Compounds

Jackfruit contains natural chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are the same types of compounds that give fruits their smell, but in jackfruit, some of them — especially certain esters, alcohols, and sulfur-containing compounds — can create a strong and sometimes unpleasant odor.

2. Ripeness Affects the Smell

The riper the jackfruit gets, the stronger it smells. In fact, an overripe jackfruit can smell very pungent, which is why some people compare it to rotten fruit or even gas. This is because the sugars in the fruit start to ferment, and that fermentation process gives off a smell that might remind you of something spoiled.

3. Individual Sensitivity

Just like with perfume or spicy food, everyone reacts differently. Some people find the smell of jackfruit sweet and fruity, while others think it smells like vomit or something rotten. If you’ve never smelled it before, it can be a bit of a shock.

4. Cultural Differences

In countries like India, Thailand, and the Philippines, jackfruit is beloved. The smell is part of its charm — it tells you the fruit is sweet and ready to eat. But in the U.S., where we’re not used to such strong-smelling fruits, jackfruit can seem a little intense.

Does Jackfruit Smell Like Vomit?

To some people, yes. That might sound gross, but it’s actually a common reaction — especially for those who have never tried it before. The smell can be sour and fermented, which might remind some of vomit or spoiled food. However, once you get used to it, most people find it tolerable or even pleasant.

Jackfruit vs Durian: Which One Smells Worse?

You might have heard of durian, another tropical fruit that’s infamous for its strong odor. In fact, in many places in Asia, durian is banned from hotels and public transport because of the smell.

So, does jackfruit smell as bad as durian? Not quite.

Durian has a much stronger, more sulfuric smell — often compared to raw sewage, onions, and gasoline. In comparison, jackfruit smells milder and sweeter, though still strange to those unfamiliar with it. If durian is a 10 on the stink scale, jackfruit might be a 5 or 6.

Still, some people say jackfruit smells like gas, especially if it’s very ripe or overripe. The similarity is likely due to the same kinds of sulfur-based VOCs found in both fruits.

What Fruit Smells Bad?

There are actually a few fruits out there known for their strong smells:

• Durian – The king of stinky fruits.
• Jackfruit – Sweet and meaty, but with a strange odor.
• Noni – Often smells like strong cheese or vomit.
• Cheese fruit – Yep, smells like cheese, and not the good kind.

These fruits often taste better than they smell — but you have to get past that first impression.

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

So now that we’ve covered the smell, you might be wondering: What does jackfruit actually taste like?

• Unripe jackfruit has a neutral taste and takes on the flavor of the spices or sauces it’s cooked with. That’s why it’s a hit in vegan pulled “pork” sandwiches or spicy curries. The texture is similar to shredded chicken or pork, which makes it a great meat substitute.
• Ripe jackfruit is sweet, juicy, and a little chewy. Some people say it tastes like a mix of banana, mango, and pineapple. The more orange the pulp, the sweeter it usually is.

Jackfruit Benefits

Despite the funky smell, jackfruit is packed with health benefits:

•  High in fiber — good for digestion.
•  Contains antioxidants — supports your immune system.
•  Rich in vitamins A and C.
•  Low in fat and calories — great for weight-conscious eaters.
•  Good source of potassium and magnesium — helps regulate blood pressure and heart health.

It’s also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free. So once you get past the smell, there’s a lot to love.

Final Thoughts

Yes, jackfruit smells bad to some people, especially at first. It can smell like vomit, gas, or fermented fruit — but that’s mostly because of natural compounds that get stronger as the fruit ripens. And while it doesn’t smell as bad as durian, it can still be surprising if you’re not used to tropical fruits.

But here’s the thing: Smell doesn’t equal taste. Jackfruit is a delicious, versatile, and nutritious fruit that’s worth trying at least once. And for many people, once you get past the smell, it becomes a favorite.

So next time you smell something funky in the produce section, give jackfruit a second chance. You just might end up loving it.