A dedicated giant vegetable grower from southern Iowa has set a new world record with an extraordinary eggplant weighing 8.33 pounds.
Dave Bennett from Davis County achieved this milestone after having his impressive vegetable verified by Inspector Ivan Hankins from the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Weights and Measures Bureau, according to UPI.
Hankins confirmed that Bennett’s eggplant is now the largest in the world. In an interview with Radio Iowa, Bennett shared his journey to this record-breaking achievement.
“I’ve been growing eggplants for about five years now,” Bennett explained. “Two years ago, I set the state record with a 5.6-pound eggplant.”
Bennett also revealed that Guinness World Records has recognized and approved his application for the new record. The previous record was held by an eggplant weighing 7.21 pounds, grown in England in 2022. Bennett’s 8.33-pound eggplant has now surpassed this mark.
“I’m thrilled to eventually receive a plaque recognizing me for growing the world’s largest eggplant,” Bennett said. For now, the colossal vegetable is being kept in Bennett’s refrigerator as he contemplates entering it into the Iowa State Fair.
Bennett mentioned, “I’m planning to check on it next week to see how it’s holding up. I might need to make arrangements to bring it to Des Moines. I’m concerned it might start to wrinkle or spoil.” Despite these concerns, Bennett’s achievement stands as a testament to his dedication and skill in growing giant vegetables.
