Also called pomello or pumello, the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae that grows in grape-like branches. Let’s check our ten facts about grapefruit and find out more about this interesting fruit.
10 Facts about Grapefruit
The grapefruit tree can attain 15 to 20 ft in height at maturity. Sometimes it can even become 45 ft tall.
The evergreen leaves of this citrus plant are dotted with tiny oil glands.
The grapefruit is round to oblate or can be slightly pear-shaped with a smooth fine peel. While the skin is thin and somewhat bitter in taste, the inside of this fruit is fleshy, juicy, and acidic in taste.
The number of fruits in a cluster varies greatly – it can be a dozen to 20 or more fruits in one bunch.
Another fact – the grapefruit was discovered in the 1750s probably in Barbados.
This tropical citrus fruit is cultivated mainly in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas.
Two main categories of grapefruits can be found – seedless and seeded. Grapefruit can also be classified by colors. The colors of this fruit range from yellowish-white to pink to yellowish-pink to brilliant ruby red. Pink grapefruits are normally richer in vitamin content than yellow ones.
The heavier the grapefruit is, the juicier it will be. It should not be stored at room temperature for more than a day or two. It will remain fresh (up to 2 weeks) if you wrap it in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator.
Eat the grapefruit fresh, either cut in half or cut into pieces for salads. Sprinkle some brown sugar and broil, you will feel the difference in taste. These days, grapefruits are also found in canned and frozen forms. Baked grapefruits are immensely popular among health-conscious fruit lovers.
Like any other citrus fruit, a grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C. Not only the inner juice but also the rind of the grapefruit can be useful. It is used to prepare aromatherapy oil, which can have a revitalizing effect on emotions.
