South African farmers Dean and Deon Barnard have made history, growing the world’s heaviest plum at their farm, Oppie Plaas Boerdery. The record-breaking fruit, which was weighed and verified by Guinness World Records, tipped the scales at an astonishing 464.15 grams (16.3 oz).
The softball-sized plum is of the “Autumn Treat” variety, known for its crisp, sweet taste. The colossal fruit is an incredible 109.78 grams (3.8 oz) heavier than the previous record holder, a plum of the Kiyo variety grown in Japan in 2021.
The Barnards, who have been farming plums for eight years, discovered the unusual fruit during their regular harvest. Dean Barnard noted that the record-breaking plum was not the result of any special preparation, but simply a happy surprise from a regular commercial tree. He credits the unique microclimates of their farm in Waboomskraal, as well as a meticulous soil management program and the guidance of a plum specialist, for the exceptional quality of their crops.
The record-breaking plum was not a one-off. The Barnards also found several other plums in their latest harvest that weighed between 400-450 grams, all of which would have also surpassed the previous world record. While they never set out to break a record, Dean Barnard said the achievement has inspired them to aim for a new milestone: growing the world’s first 500-gram plum.
