Ingredient: Grapefruit
Category: Fruit - Citric
Season: All
The grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree grown for its fruit, which was originally named the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados
The fruit has only become popular from the late 19th century; before that it was only grown as an ornamental plant.
The US quickly became a major producer of the fruit , with orchards in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California.
In Spanish , the fruit is known as toronja or pomelo.
Colours and flavours:
Grapefruit comes in many varieties, determinable by colour, which is caused by the pigmentation of the fruit in respect of both its state of ripeness and genetic bent.
The most popular varieties cultivated today are red, white, and pink hues, referring to the inside, pulp colour of the fruit.
The family of flavours range from highly acidic and somewhat bitter to sweet and tart.
Grapefruit mercaptan, a sulphur-containing terpene, is one of the substances, which has a strong influence on the taste and odour of grapefruit, compared with other citrus fruits.
Nutritional properties:
Grapefruit is an excellent source of many nutrients and phytochemicals, able to contribute to a healthy diet.
Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, pectin fibre, and the pink and red hues contain the beneficial antioxidant lycopene.
Studies have shown grapefruit helps lower cholesterol and there is evidence that the seeds have high levels of antioxidant properties.
Grapefruit forms a core part of the "grapefruit diet", the theory being that the fruit's low glycemic index is able to help the body's metabolism burn fat
Clean-tasting, juicy and stimulating and available all year , grapefruit are a delight during the winter months when good supplies come from Florida and Israel.
With the exception of making them into marmalade, they are best uncooked.
The pink-fleshed varieties (Ruby, Ruby Red and Thompson) tend to taste sweeter and certainly look attractive in a fruit salad.
Citrus plant breeders have tried to eliminate the pips but, as far as yellow grapefruit go, pips seem to be the price you pay for the best flavour.
A more fruitful idea has been the crossing of grapefruit and tangerine , which has produced the pear-shaped and ultra-juicy Minneola. |