What is the Largest Fruit in the World?

The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest fruit in the world. In particular, it is the heaviest fruit that grows on a tree. A typical jackfruit can grow as long as 3 feet (90 cm) and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg). It is regarded as a highly nutritious source of food.

Fruits in normal grocery stores can be easily held in one palm, on the other hand, the jackfruit is so heavy that you may need weight lifters to carry them! 

Jackfruit is a native of the tropical rainforests of South India, where it has thrived due to its very high agricultural yield and high nutritional content and has now is grown in other tropical parts of the world.

Biggest Tree Borne Fruit on Earth

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a member of the Moraceae family that also includes figs and mulberries. Botanically jackfruit is considered as a multiple fruit. It means the massive exterior of the jackfruit is in reality composed of fusion of ovaries of hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of separate flowers.

Jackfruits due to their heavy weight do not bear on the feeble ends of branches like apples or oranges. Rather they sprout directly off of the sturdy main trunk and enormous supporting branches of the tree. Jackfruits are highly prolific and a single mature jackfruit tree can produce up to 200 fruits annually.

Within the spiny and green-to-yellow shell, there are hundreds of sweet and fleshy-yellow pods. The fruit is extremely nutrient-dense; one huge jackfruit may have 500 or more edible seeds, which are commonly boiled or roasted.

Source: Shutterstock

Jackfruit - The Heaviest Fruit on Earth

Although the average jackfruit weighs between 10 and 25 pounds, when provided with the perfect tropical conditions, they grow a lot bigger. The largest jackfruit on record officially is that of Homestead, Florida, United States, in 2024 according to Guinness World Records. It had an unbelievable weight of  54.43 kg (119 lbs 16 oz), it was grown by Hugh Forthman

A common point of confusion that arises when discussing the largest fruit in the world is that of pumpkins. Botanically speaking pumpkins are berries, and grow on vines resting on the ground, jackfruit on the other hand is the largest tree born fruit in the world.

Interesting Facts about Jackfruit

The following are some of the interesting facts about Jackfruit.

1. A jackfruit tree can live up to 60 to 70 years.

2. Jackfruit is resistant to pests and diseases, and can thrive in different types of soil.

3. Because of its nutrient dense profile, jackfruit is an important component to combat hunger in many parts of the world.

Check out some more interesting articles from the general knowledge section to boost your knowledge of national and international topics. Stay connected with Jagran Josh for more topics like this.

ALSO READ:

Difference between Jackfruit and Durian

Top 10 Jackfruit Producing Countries in the World