South African farmers Dean and Deon Barnard have achieved a new Guinness World Record by cultivating the world’s heaviest plum, which weighs 464.15 grams (16.3 ounces). This plum surpasses the previous record holder, a Kiyo variety from Japan, by 109.78 grams (3.8 ounces).
The record-setting fruit was harvested from the Barnards’ farm, Oppie Plaas Boerdery, which features seven hectares (17.3 acres) of commercial plum orchards. Dean Barnard noted that the plum was not specially bred for the record but grew on a standard commercial tree with around 150 plums. Initially weighing 480 grams, the plum lost a few grams due to moisture evaporation.
Belonging to the Autumn Treat variety, the plum is described by Dean as crisp and sweet. The Barnards, who have been farming plums for eight years, previously had no experience in plum cultivation. They also grow hops, almonds, and pecans, although they are replacing almonds and pecans with additional plum trees.
The Barnards’ plums typically take about seven months to mature, with flowering beginning in September. This year, they also found several other large plums ranging between 400-450 grams. Dean attributes their success to the unique microclimates in their area, regular soil testing, and consultation with a top plum specialist.
Dean expressed excitement and pride over their achievement and now aims to grow a plum weighing 500 grams. “It feels unreal to have broken this world record,” he said. “I’m so proud and excited. It’s really a big privilege to have the record and I’m so blessed by God.”
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