Grapefruit Description & Health Benefits
- Grapefruit originated due to an accidental cross-breed of a sweet orange and pomelo. It’s a member of the Rutaceae family, growing on trees in tropical regions. The name grapefruit comes from how the fruit grows in clusters on a tree, similar to grapes.
- The top grapefruit producing states include Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona.
- Grapefruits have a unique sour to semi-sweet flavor.
- Multiple varieties of grapefruits exist including Ruby Red, Duncan, Flame, and March. Slight differences in taste, color of fruit, and amount of seeds occur.
- Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, so if you are on prescription medications ask your doctor if this food is safe for you.
- Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of fiber.
- Vitamin A is crucial in good eye health; it also plays a role in cellular communication, reproduction, and immune function.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists in wound health and formation of bones, teeth, and cartilage. It also helps increase iron absorption, so pairing vitamin C and iron containing foods together helps increase total iron absorption.
- Fiber supports digestive health, including preventing constipation. It also helps reduce weight gain as it makes you feel full sooner and longer.
Purchasing, Selecting, Storing, and Preparing
- Purchase grapefruits in season from November to May for best flavors.
- Select grapefruit with thin, smooth, firm skin that is free from blemishes, and heavy for its size.
- Store grapefruit at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
- To eat grapefruit, cut in half to eat with a grapefruit spoon, wedge to eat plain or in a fruit salad, or juice.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup grapefruit
Calories: 97 | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrate: 25 g | Fiber: 4 g | Vitamin A: 2645 IU |Vitamin C: 71.8 mg
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