Dean and Deon Barnard, farmers in South Africa, have achieved a global milestone by cultivating a plum that tips the scales at 464.15 g (16.3 oz), surpassing the previous record by 109.78 g (3.8 oz). This record-breaking fruit, harvested from their Oppie Plaas Boerdery, emerged from a commercial orchard that spans seven hectares. Despite its record size, Dean Barnard emphasized that the plum, a specimen of the Autumn Treat variety known for its crisp and sweet flavor, was not specifically bred for record-breaking purposes but was one of about 150 plums on a single tree. Initially weighing 480 g, the plum experienced a slight weight reduction due to moisture loss post-harvest.
With eight years of experience in plum farming, the Barnards have diversified their agricultural ventures to include hops and almonds, with a recent shift towards expanding their plum cultivation. The growth cycle of their plums spans approximately seven months, beginning with flowering in September. The Barnards' farm benefits from unique microclimates conducive to plum growth, supported by annual soil assessments and expert guidance to optimize soil conditions. This year's harvest also yielded several large plums, weighing between 400-450 g.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dean Barnard expressed a mix of pride and astonishment at setting a new world record and is now motivated to grow a plum reaching the 500-gram mark, acknowledging the accomplishment as a significant personal and professional milestone.
Source: Guinness World Records