When it comes to cempedak vs jackfruit, many of us may get confused. Tropical Malaysian fruits really deserve a lot more love and attention, especially since they’re relatively healthier as snacks and desserts. As you’re walking through your local supermarket or wet market’s fruit section, you would have come across many local fruits you’re familiar with.
There are two local fruits that are closely related, and they’ve caused some confusion because of how similar they look, especially on the outside. These two fruits are the jackfruit (Nangka in Malay), and cempedak. Let’s first look at how they’re similar, and then how they differ from one another.
Cempedak vs Jackfruit: The Similarities
To start off, both fruits have a hard outer texture, that is green or yellow green in colour. Both of them are covered in short, blunt thorns that aren’t as sharp as durians. In terms of scientific nomenclature, they both belong to the same family, namely Moraceae and the same genus, Artocarpus. Only their species names are different.
When seen from afar, it is almost impossible to distinguish them as they’re both long and round in shape. When they’re opened up, both ripe jackfruits and cempedak have fruits that are yellow in colour, and separate from the surrounding flesh of the fruit which is largely inedible.
Cempedak vs Jackfruit: The Differences
Now that we’ve looked at their similarities, it’s time to see how they differ, and how you can tell them apart.
General Shape
We’ve addressed how both fruits look green, round and elongated from afar. However, there is a difference in their general sizes. Cempedak are usually smaller or narrower than jackfruits, and they also have a rounder appearance and can be a lot bulgier. Sometimes, cempedak can also grow in a long and narrow shape, and have an irregular, bulgy outline.
Jackfruits on the other hand, have a very distinct, perfectly oval shape that does not have any bulges on the sides.
Differences in Cempedak vs Jackfruit Colours When Ripe
Cempedak tend to change colour as they ripen, going from green to a reddish green or reddish yellow when ripe. Cempedak typically develop patches of red or reddish yellow the riper they are, and the red becomes more prominent with time.
Meanwhile, jackfruits stay green throughout their development, even becoming a deeper green when they ripen.
Outer Thorns
The thorns on a jackfruit are sharper and arranged in a neat sequence compared to cempedak. However, they’re not as sharp as durian thorns.
When you look at the outer layer of the cempedak, you’ll notice that the thorns are a lot blunter. In most cases, they won’t even stick out from the surface and appear more like bumps. The cempedak ‘thorns’ are darker and appear in a random and irregular pattern over the outer surface.
Differences in Smell
If all else fails, you can use your nose to tell the difference between the two fruits. Cempedaks have a stronger, sharper smell to them as compared to jackfruits which are milder in its sweetness. The sweet smell of the cempedak is typically more overwhelming and can resemble a sweetness that’s fermenting or rotting (despite the fruit not actually rotting at all).
Fruit Appearance and Texture
Opening up either fruit will immediately confirm their identities. The jackfruit pieces contained within the flesh are firm and juicy, and can be torn off in a vertical fashion if you pull the fruit apart, something like cooked chicken. They’re also a deeper amber yellow in colour.
On the other hand, cempedak has fruit pieces that are creamy and soft. They’re rather similar to the texture of durian. These pieces tend to be of a paler yellow compared to jackfruit pieces, too.
Both fruits are sweet and delicious. Usually though, Jackfruit pieces are eaten raw and their firm texture is suitable for consumption as is. Cempedak, on the other hand, is most typically dipped into batter and deep fried as this method really brings out the most of its creamy texture.
Hopefully with this rough guide, you’ll be able to tell apart these two fruits better, and incorporate more fruits into yours and your family’s diets.
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