Region of Origin
Commodity:
Grapefruit
Description & Origin
All grapefruits are the product of a natural cross between a sweet orange and a pummelo. They are mid-sized and combine the tartness of pummelo with the sugar content of sweet oranges. It is believed that grapefruit first appeared growing wild in Barbados, and spread quickly throughout the Caribbean. It was first documented by Europeans there in the 1700s, where it was referred to as “forbidden fr...
Other Names
Toronja (Spanish), Pomelo (Spanish), Pamplemousse (French), Greyfurt (Turkish), Pútáo yòu (Mandarin)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Grapefruits are great for hydration as they are high in water. They’re also chock full of vitamins C and A (which give the immune system a boost). Some studies show that grapefruit may play a role in facilitating weight loss and might even help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Red and pink-fleshed varieties contain antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene.
Our Varieties
Grapefruit Star Ruby
AKA: Sunrise, California Star Ruby
Description
Prized for its deep red color and exceptional flavor, Star Ruby is one of the most popular grapefruit varieties in the US and abroad. First developed at Texas A&I University by treating the seeds of the Hudson variety with radiation to reduce seediness in the fruits, the Star Ruby is high in lycopene (hence very red) and very sweet with a mouth-watering grapefruit tang. In Israel, grapefruits grown from the Star Ruby seed are called “Sunrise”.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Use Star Ruby when a big, punchy grapefruit flavor and bright red color are desired.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Grapefruit Sweetie
Description
The Sweetie is similar to the American Oroblanco. First developed in Israel in 1984, the Sweetie is still primarily grown in Israel and marketed under the Jaffa® label. The fruit’s shape, texture, and juiciness closely resemble a grapefruit, but its flavor is mild and sweet, reminiscent of a pummelo. Its flesh is creamy yellow in color, and the aroma of the fruit is refreshing and citrusy. Like the pummelo, it has mild acidity, and can be enjoyed even by people with sensitivity to grapefruit’s zing. The fruit’s rind is thick and dark green, but as the fruit matures, it may gradually transition to yellow. It can be eaten anywhere along this spectrum.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Ripe when shipped! Even though Sweeties are dark green, they are ripe and ready-to-eat.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Grapefruits are exceptionally tart, although some varieties are milder than others. They are most often used in juices, cocktails, syrups, custards, marmalades, or salads. Their punchy flavor is exceptionally versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of foods.
Flavor Pairings
Avocado, Lime, Blood Orange, Pomegranate, Mango, Melon, Cranberry, Golden Berry, Red Onion, Jalapeno, Jicama, Cucumber, Fennel, Ginger, Beet, Greek Yogurt, Dijon Mustard, Mint, Cilantro, Arugula, Watercress, Dandelion Greens, Spinach, Radicchio, Feta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Ricotta, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Salmon, Scallops, Trout Crabmeat, Ham, Prosecco, Mezcal, Tequila, Gin
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Grapefruits can be stored on a counter top, so long as they have good air circulation. For longer keeping, store whole grapefruits in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
The thick skin should be fully cut away using a sharp knife before supreming. Segments can be placed in a re-sealable bag and frozen for up to 12 months.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Aside from enjoying the fleshy segments of the fruit, the grapefruit’s peel can be reserved and candied. While the pith is bitter and normally discarded, it can be eaten, and is a good source of fiber!
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP, FL, TX, ISRAEL & SOUTH AFRICA:
50-54°F
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP, CA & AZ:
57-59°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Yes – fruit may experience pitting or browning of the skin, or watery breakdown of flesh. Symptoms may not become apparent until product is returned to higher temperatures. White and yellow flesh grapefruits are especially susceptible to chilling injury. Do not ship or store grapefruits below 50°F.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
85-90%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes-Low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Exposure to ethylene may accelerate skin deterioration and increase susceptibility to decay. Keep grapefruit away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
No
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING ONLY:
No
Quality Assessment
Grapefruits should have smooth peels that are mostly blemish free and a vivid color. The fruit should feel heavy for its size. The flesh should be juicy and fragrant with no sign of dryness or desiccation.
Important Handling Notes
Handle grapefruit with care to avoid injury.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, domestic grapefruits may last 4-6 weeks, while imports may last up to 16 weeks.