World’s heaviest grapefruit is in Louisiana; Guinness World Record awarded

ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WAFB) - The world’s heaviest grapefruit is in Louisiana!

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Guinness Book of World Records to the growers of the world’s largest grapefruit.

Click here for more on the recording-breaking citrus.

Mary Beth and Doug Meyer of Slidell grew the citrus, which weighs 7 lbs 14.64 oz. It beat out the previous record holder, which weighed 7 lbs 1 oz, measured 27.5 in, and was grown in Brazil. It held the record since 2006.

LDAF says members of its Weights and Measures Division were there to weigh and measure the grapefruit, which measured 28.75 in.

“My grandchildren created a fairy garden at the base of the tree. One day, my grandson noticed the oversized grapefruit growing. At that point, we really started paying attention and monitoring its development. This experience will always be a special memory for us and our grandchildren,” Doug said.

Mary Beth and Doug Meyer accept their certificate from Commissioner Strain.(LDAF)

Commissioner Mike Strain chats with the Meyer grandchildren about the massive grapefruit.(LDAF)

“It’s not every day you get to present someone with a world record title. LDAF employees were able to provide the official equipment to document this wonderful Louisiana grown grapefruit. We congratulate the Meyers for their achievement and especially for getting the grandkids involved and teaching them how to garden,” said Strain.

LDAF says licensed surveyors and horticulturists were also on hand to inspect the physical condition of the citrus. LDAF provided an official inspection notice to the Guinness Book of World Records.