The plant kingdom presents a remarkable array of fruits, showcasing an incredible diversity in shapes, colors, and sizes. From tiny berries to substantial gourds, this botanical variety often sparks curiosity about which fruit holds the distinction of being the largest.
The World’s Largest Fruit
The title for the world’s largest tree-borne fruit belongs to the jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus. These fruits can reach substantial sizes, with some weighing as much as 55 kilograms (120 pounds) and extending up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length, with a diameter of 50 centimeters (20 inches). While some average between 4.5 to 30 kilograms (10 to 66 pounds).
Jackfruits are characterized by their spiky, green, and often oblong or roundish exterior, featuring a hard, gummy shell covered with small, hexagonal pimples. This tropical fruit is native to the Indo-Malayan region of Asia and is widely cultivated across tropical lowlands, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. The versatility of jackfruit extends to its culinary applications, where ripe fruit offers a sweet taste, often described as a blend of pineapple, mango, and banana, making it suitable for desserts, smoothies, and fruit salads. Unripe jackfruit, with its mild flavor and fibrous texture, is frequently used as a vegetable or plant-based meat substitute in savory dishes like curries, stir-fries, and “pulled pork” sandwiches.
Defining Fruit Size and Other Notable Giants
The definition of “biggest” can vary, primarily measured by weight or volume. However, other fruits cultivated on the ground can achieve even more extraordinary sizes, particularly through specialized growing techniques.
Watermelons, though botanically distinct from tree fruits, are also known for their potential to grow to immense proportions. The record for the heaviest watermelon stands at 159 kilograms (350.5 pounds), a feat achieved by Chris Kent in 2013. Similarly, pumpkins, which are botanically fruits, regularly break records in competitive growing. In 2023, Travis Gienger grew a pumpkin weighing an astonishing 1,246.9 kilograms (2,749 pounds).
Another notable large fruit is the durian, often recognized for its distinctive strong odor and thorny exterior. Durians typically weigh between 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 pounds) and can measure up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length and 15 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter, though some can reach 10 kilograms. While substantial in size, the durian does not approach the sheer mass of the jackfruit or record-breaking ground-grown fruits like watermelons and pumpkins.