Sarah Whitty didn’t plan it this way, but her zucchini already weighs more than many people.
This Maine grower planted three specimens this year. Two split and were out of the running. The third, which she named “Secretariat” in honor of the legendary racehorse, nearly met the same fate when a severe storm brought 127 millimeters of rain. She covered it with a tarp and waited for it to weather the storm.
The result: 77 kilos. According to the Maine Pumpkin Growers Association, it’s the new record for the United States and North America, beating the previous mark by about 3 kilos.
Last year, she had come very close. Her 73,5-kilo zucchini was disqualified because of a small crack, something the association says is common with this type of crop. She had to wait twelve months to get her revenge.