The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its relatively large, sour to semi-sweet, somewhat bitter fruit. The interior flesh is segmented and varies in color from pale yellow to dark pink/red. Grapefruit is a citrus hybrid and is relatively new in the world of citrus fruits. It’s believed to have originated in Barbados in the 18th century as an accidental cross between the sweet orange and the pomelo (also known as shaddock), both of which were introduced from Asia to the Caribbean.
Grapefruits are considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” a list of important historical sites depicting plant species, architecture, and points of interest to educate and create memorable experiences on the tropical island.
The name “grapefruit” was reportedly given because the fruit grows in clusters, somewhat resembling grapes on the tree. Some experts also hypothesize that the fruits may have been named for their tart flavor, reminiscent of an unripe grape. There are three main types of grapefruits in the modern-day, generally categorized as pink, white, or red-fleshed. Grapefruits are cultivated worldwide and are hand-picked each season, favored for their sweet-tart taste, and are sold for fresh use, cooked, and canned applications.
Grapefruits are usually large, with a diameter of about 4 to 6 inches. Their skin color ranges from yellow to pink, reflecting the color of the flesh inside which can be pale yellow, pink, or red. They have a flavor profile that blends sweet and tart with a bit of bitterness. The redder varieties tend to be sweeter.
Grapefruit is often eaten fresh, either halved and eaten with a spoon or peeled like an orange. It’s used in salads, juices, cocktails, and even in some savory dishes to add a tart flavor. Its zest can be used in baking or to flavor dishes. Grapefruits are known for their high vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, potassium, and are relatively low in calories. They’re often associated with diets and weight loss due to their ability to satiate and their low glycemic index.
Grapefruits grow in warm climates, with major producers including the United States (particularly Florida and Texas), China, South Africa, and Mexico. They prefer subtropical climates where the nights are cool but not cold.
The fruit has become symbolic in diet culture, often linked with various weight loss diets like the grapefruit diet, which, however, lacks scientific backing for long-term efficacy. Grapefruit has also inspired various products like grapefruit-flavored sodas, beers, and perfumes due to its distinctive scent and taste.
In general, Grapefruits pair well with avocado, rose water, nuts such as pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds, herbs including tarragon, mint, rosemary, chamomile, and cilantro, meats such as poultry, beef, and fish, fruits such as strawberries, citrus, bananas, pomegranates, pineapples, and raspberries, cabbage, fennel, and vanilla.
Types of Grapefruits
Ruby Red
- Origin: Developed in Texas, USA, in the 1920s. It was a mutation found in a pink grapefruit tree.
- Characteristics: Has a red blush on the skin, redder pulp than older varieties, sweet flavor with very little bitterness, often used for juice.
White Marsh
- Origin: This is one of the original varieties, believed to have originated in Barbados as a hybrid between the pomelo and sweet orange, then brought to Florida where it became the standard white grapefruit.
- Characteristics: Pale yellow skin, light yellow flesh, very juicy with a tart and tangy flavor, seedless or few seeds.
Pink Grapefruit
- Origin: A natural mutation of the white grapefruit, discovered in Florida in the early 20th century. It’s sweeter and less acidic than the white varieties.
- Characteristics: Light pink flesh, balance of sweet and tart flavors, less acidic than white varieties.
Star Ruby
- Origin: Introduced in the 1970s, developed at the Texas A&I University Citrus Center. It’s known for its very red flesh and fewer seeds.
- Characteristics: Deep red flesh, thin skin, virtually seedless, very sweet with low acidity.
Flame
- Origin: A newer variety from Florida, it has a deep red interior similar to Star Ruby but with a smoother skin.
- Characteristics: Similar to Star Ruby but with a slightly different hue of red, sweet, and juicy with minimal seeds.
Oro Blanco
- Origin: A cross between a low-acid pomelo and a white grapefruit, developed at the University of California, Riverside in the 1950s.
- Characteristics: It has thick skin, sweet with no bitterness, yellow skin, and pale yellow flesh.
Melogold
- Origin: California, USA (University of California, Riverside)
- Characteristics: A cross between a pomelo and a white grapefruit, larger than Oro Blanco, less sweet but still low in bitterness.
Rio Star
- Origin: Texa
- Characteristics: Red skin, red flesh, extremely sweet due to low acid content, very popular in Texas.
Duncan
- Origin: One of the oldest varieties, originating from Florida in the 19th century.
- Characteristics: Very juicy, with many seeds, excellent flavor but higher in bitterness.
Thompson (Pink Marsh)
- Origin: An early 20th-century mutation of the Marsh grapefruit found in Florida.
- Characteristics: Seedless, pink flesh, less vibrant color than Ruby Red, but sweet and juicy.
Cocktail Grapefruit
- Origin: Not a true grapefruit but a hybrid of Frua Mandarin and Siamese Sweet Pomelo
- Characteristics: Smaller size, sweeter, very juicy, used often in cocktails due to its sweetness.
Hudson
- Origin: Texas, USA
- Characteristics: A mutation of the Foster grapefruit, deeper red color, but not as widely grown due to seeds.
Triumph
- Origin: Florida, USA
- Characteristics: A mix between a grapefruit and a Seville orange, less juicy, more acidic, with a flavor profile closer to traditional citrus.
Lavender Gem
- Origin: Florida, USA (originally from a tangelo)
- Characteristics: Actually a tangelo (grapefruit-tangerine hybrid), small, pale pink to lavender flesh, sweet-tart.
Henderson
- Origin: Florida, USA
- Characteristics: Similar to Ruby Red but with a more yellow-orange peel, red interior, good balance of sweet and tart.
Ray Ruby
- Origin: Texas, USA
- Characteristics: Known for its even redder flesh than Ruby Red, good sweetness levels, becoming more popular for its color and flavor.
Pummelo or Pomelo
- While not strictly a grapefruit, grapefruit is a hybrid of this fruit. The Pomelo is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Redblush
- A term often used for various red and pink grapefruit varieties, indicating their blushed or red internal color, encompassing varieties like Ruby Red, Flame, etc.