Diet & Fitness

Food Guide

Grapefruit

Buying Tips

Fresh grapefruits are available year-round, though they are traditionally a winter fruit. Those grown in Arizona and California are available January through August, and grapefruit grown in Florida and Texas arrive in October and last through June. Choose grapefruits that feel heavy in the hand. Although the skin may appear irregularly colored, this is not generally an important factor. Avoid fruits that have soft or wet spots. Thinner-skinned fruits are usually juicier but not necessarily tastier.

Varieties

Grapefruit can be white (really a pale yellow), pink, or red. The white variety is usually smaller and more tart than the pink. Large, ruby-red grapefruits were discovered growing in Texas in 1929. Some grapefruits are seedless.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

While grapefruits are often served cut in half to be eaten raw or juiced, they can also be sliced and grilled as a side dish to serve with an entrée. Grapefruit sections or pieces can be added to fruit salads and used in desserts.

Storing

Grapefruits ripen when picked, and are best when stored loose at a cool room temperature, or in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Highlights

Grapefruit (pink and red, raw), 1 cup (sections) (230g)

Calories: 97
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrate: 25g
Total Fat: 0g
Fiber: 4g

*Excellent Source of: Vitamin A (2,645IU) and Vitamin C (71.76mg)