How to Select Grapefruit
- The skin should be smooth and firm without bruising
- The fruit should feel heavy for its size
When is Grapefruit in Season?
Grapefruit is generally in season during the winter months, from November to May. During this time, you can find grapefruit at its freshest and most flavorful. Remember to choose grapefruits that are heavy for their size, with firm skin and no soft spots. Enjoy!
Varieties of Grapefruit
With over twenty varieties of grapefruit grown all over the world, this tart citrus fruit has a unique appearance and flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
- Ruby Red Grapefruit: This grapefruit is known for its bright red flesh, which is sweet and juicy with a slightly tart taste. It has a thin, pinkish-red skin and is often used for juicing.
- White Marsh Grapefruit: This grapefruit has a pale yellow flesh and a thick, bumpy skin. It is less sweet than other varieties and has a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in salads and desserts.
- Oro Blanco Grapefruit: This grapefruit is a cross between a pomelo and a white grapefruit. It has a thick, yellowish-green skin and a sweet, mild flavor. It is often eaten as a snack or used in salads.
- Pink Grapefruit: This grapefruit has a pale pink flesh and a thin, pinkish-orange skin. It is sweeter than other varieties and has a tangy, slightly bitter taste. It is often used in cocktails and desserts.
- Star Ruby Grapefruit: This grapefruit has a deep red flesh and a thin, yellowish-green skin. It is sweet and juicy with a tangy, slightly bitter taste. It is often eaten as a snack or used in salads.
Grapefruit Nutrition Facts & Benefits
Here are the nutritional facts for a medium-size grapefruit:
- Approx 82 calories
- 0.3 grams of fat
- 1.5 grams of protein
- 20.5 grams of carbohydrates
- 15.5 grams of natural sugar
- 3 grams of fiber
Grapefruit has many potential health benefits. Here are proven ways that grapefruit can benefit your health:
- A study found that eating grapefruit will reduce risk of heart disease, cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
- Grapefruit is an excellent source of potassium that fortifies against heart disease. A single grapefruit can provide 10% of your daily potassium needs.
- Grapefruit contains many antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and flavanones.
How to Store Grapefruit
- Grapefruits can be stored at room temperature for approximately a week
- To increase shelf life, store in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks
How to Prepare Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a versatile fruit that can be used in many different ways. Choose grapefruits that are heavy for their size, with firm skin and no soft spots, for the best flavor and quality. Here are some of our favorite ways to prepare grapefruit:
- Fresh: Grapefruit can be enjoyed on its own as a nutritious and refreshing snack. Simply cut it in half, use a sharp knife to loosen the segments, and enjoy with a spoon.
- Juiced: Grapefruit juice is a popular ingredient in cocktails and smoothies, and is also a refreshing drink on its own. Use a juicer or a citrus reamer to extract the juice from fresh grapefruit.
- Segmented: Grapefruit segments can add a sweet and tangy flavor to salads. Simply peel and segment the grapefruit, and toss with greens, nuts, and a simple dressing for a delicious and healthy salad.
