What is Grapefruit?

A grapefruit is a citrus fruit hybrid originating from Barbados.  Fresh grapefruits are large, between 4 to 6 inches in diameter.  The fruit has a yellow or orange rind, a thick white pith, and red, pink, or yellow fruit inside.  Some varieties of grapefruit have seeds while others do not.  Ripe grapefruit has a smooth skin and feels heavy and firm.  Grapefruit smells tangy and citrusy.  You can find grapefruit as whole fruit, sliced fruit in cups, juice, and puree.

What Does Grapefruit Taste Like?

Grapefruit usually tastes tart and bitter.  Red grapefruit typically has a sweeter flavor than pink or white grapefruit.

How Do You Eat Grapefruit?

Most people enjoy grapefruit fresh as part of their breakfast.  Other common methods of eating grapefruit include broiled with sugar and spices, baked into grapefruit bars, and blended into smoothies.  Some people turn grapefruit into jams, marmalades, and syrups.  Savory dishes such as scallops, chicken, salmon, and salads include grapefruit.

Where Can You Buy Grapefruit?

Look for fresh grapefruit in the produce section of the grocery store.  Find fruit cups or grapefruit slices in the refrigerated area of the produce section or in the snack aisle with other fruit cups.  Look for grapefruit juice with other refrigerated fruit juices or in the juice aisle.  Locate grapefruit puree in the frozen food section near the frozen fruits.

How Do You Store Grapefruit?

Store fresh grapefruit at room temperature away from light or heat for 2 to 4 days.  If you prefer to keep your grapefruit for longer, store the fruit in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Fun Facts About Grapefruit

Grapefruits are a hybrid between pomelos and sweet oranges. Some legends surround the creation of grapefruit, but most people believe its creation was accidental.

Did You Know?

Grapefruit has uses in creating other hybrid fruits such as tangelos!

Recipes Using Grapefruit

Refreshing Smoothie

Use grapefruit juice as a base for a refreshing smoothie. Add grapefruit juice, strawberries, a banana, maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses.

Broiled Grapefruit

Create a sweet and tangy treat by broiling your grapefruit. Top halved grapefruit with brown sugar, butter, honey, and cinnamon. Broil in the oven until the sugar melts and top grapefruit with sea salt.

Grapefruit Marinade

Turn grapefruit juice into a tangy marinade. Combine soy sauce, grapefruit juice, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and ginger in a large bowl. Use this marinade for chicken, fish, or other seafood.

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Use sliced red or pink grapefruit for a tasty salad. Toss lettuce and baby spinach leaves, diced avocado, grapefruit slices, and feta cheese. Coat salad in a vinaigrette made out of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Grapefruit Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dress your next salad with a tangy grapefruit balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, grapefruit juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle over leafy salads for extra flavor.