The Largest Seeds in Fruits: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to fruits, some have attracted attention for their gigantic seeds. This article explores the fruits with the largest seeds, including the coconut, the avocado, and the coco de mer. We'll dive into details about their sizes and unique characteristics.
Coconut: The King of Large Seeds
The coconut (Cocos nucifera) holds the title for having the largest seeds among commonly known fruits. The seed of a coconut can weigh over 5 kilograms (11 lbs) and is renowned for its hard shell and fibrous husk. These seeds are not only large but also offer a range of benefits, making them a highly valued commodity in both culinary and practical uses.
Avocado: Another Giant in the Seed Department
A lesser-known contender for large seeds is the avocado (Persea americana). The avocado's seed is substantial and can weigh around 200 grams (7 oz) depending on the variety. The avocado seed isn't just large; it also lends itself well to various culinary applications, such as making avocado pits into natural panthenol-rich cream for skin care.
Jackfruit: A Relatively Unknown Giant
The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is often overshadowed by the coconut and avocado when it comes to seed size, but it still has a significant contender in its ranks. Each jackfruit seed can weigh between 10 and 20 grams (0.35 to 0.7 oz). Jackfruits boast a variety of textures and tastes, ranging from mild and sweet to savory and gluey, making them a unique ingredient in many cuisines.
The World's Largest Seed: The Coco De Mer
While coconuts and avocados vie for the title of fruits with the largest seeds, there is another giant in the world of seeds: the coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica). This rare seed is the largest seed in the world, originating from a palm tree. The coco de mer seed can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg). The seed is a dark brown color and is protected by the government of Seychelles because of its rarity. The coco de mer tree can grow up to 100 feet (31 m) tall, with leaves measuring 20 feet (6 m) long and 12 feet (3.6 m) wide.
Other Large-Seeded Fruits
Some other fruits with notable seed sizes include the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), which can have four seeds covered by a thin skin, and mangoes, which typically have a large seed. Drupes such as almonds, walnuts, and coconuts are mostly inedible, housing edible seeds enclosed in a protective stone or shell.
Conclusion
The world of fruit seeds is diverse and fascinating, with each variety offering unique characteristics and uses. From the coconuts and avocados to the rare coco de mer, there's a lot to explore and discover. As more people seek out unique and sustainable ingredients, the coco de mer and other large-seeded fruits may gain even more recognition in the culinary and natural health world.
Keywords: largest seeds, coconut seeds, coco de mer
Further Reading: The Coco de Mer in History and Today
The Coco de Mer in Sotheby's Collection WikiPedia LinksThe Coco de Mer in Sotheby's Collection
The coco de mer is not only a botanical marvel but also a part of art history, particularly through the works of Sir Joseph Banks, who collected and documented this seed for Sir Peter Warrington and Sotheby's auction house. Sir Banks' contribution to Sotheby's collection is a testament to the cultural and historical significance of these seeds.