Dorothy FarrarGrapefruit
Grapefruits are among the citrus fruits and contain many valuable biological substances. In the vernacular, the fruit is also called grapefruit. The botanical name is “Citrus x paradisi”.
Here’s what you should know about grapefruit
The grapefruit is a citrus fruit, which is also known as Adam’s apple or apple of paradise. This is slightly misleading, because the term grapefruit suggests a grape fruit. The grapefruit is believed to be a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.
The original home of the fruit is in Barbados. The fruits grow on evergreen trees that grow about five meters tall. In exceptional cases, a grapefruit tree can be more than ten meters high. Grapefruits were first mentioned in the mid-18th century. Back then they were called “forbidden fruits”. The botanical name was not used until about 80 years later.
Commercial grapefruit cultivation began in Florida in 1885. Today the citrus fruit is cultivated in all climatically favorable countries in the world. This includes hot desert areas as well as tropics and subtropics. The most important growing areas for grapefruit are the USA, Cuba, Mexico, Argentina and South Africa. It is also cultivated in some Mediterranean countries.
Grapefruits are available in different colors on the market. There are also differences in taste. Reddish fruits taste sweet and mild. The yellow grapefruits are more tart and slightly bitter. Green grapefruits, on the other hand, have a strikingly bitter taste.
importance to health
Like all citrus fruits, grapefruit also provides valuable vitamins. The fruits contain a lot of vitamin C and can also protect against free radicals due to the lycopene they contain and thus have a preventive effect against cancer . The fruit acid of the citrus fruits stimulates the intestines. Eating a grapefruit on an empty stomach can induce a mild laxative effect.
Grapefruit enjoyed in conjunction with honey protects against colds and helps to increase the immune system. Biological substances are contained in the white membranes of the partition walls. These flavonoids have an antimicrobial effect and counteract viruses and bacteria .
The peel of the grapefruit contains limonoids. This essential oil is not only responsible for the typical smell of citrus fruits, but can also stimulate the release of certain enzymes. The seeds of the fruit have also recently come into focus due to their health-promoting properties. The extract of grapefruit seeds helps to strengthen the body’s defenses and fight harmful microorganisms in the intestine .
Ingredients & nutritional values
Grapefruit is a reliable source of vitamin C. 44 mg of vitamin C are found in 100 grams of fruit. The fruits also contain vitamins from the B group. In addition to carotene and fruit acids, grapefruits also contain significant amounts of potassium. 100 grams of pulp contain 148 mg of the mineral.
intolerances
Grapefruit can enhance the effects of certain medications. This applies in particular to remedies for allergies or high blood pressure . Therefore, it is easy to overdose when these drugs are taken with grapefruit juice. Even hours after ingestion, grapefruit juice can still affect the effects of the drug. This results from the fact that the breakdown of the drugs in the body is prevented and the effect is consequently increased.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Grapefruits are on the market all year round. The fruits can be stored well. However, they do not keep as fresh as lemons or oranges . Grapefruits don’t belong in the fridge. At a storage temperature of around 15 degrees, the fruit loses its bitterness and the flesh can be separated from the skin more easily. If the fruit is kept for too long, it will lose its flavor and become wilted.
Since the fruit is difficult to peel, it’s a good idea to cut the grapefruit in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out of the peel with a spoon. The tart, sour taste can be softened by adding honey. The citrus fruits also go perfectly with rum or vanilla . The flesh of the grapefruit can also be used very well in a fruit salad with bananas , raspberries , avocados or honeydew melons.
preparation tips
Spooning on grapefruits for breakfast helps start the day with an extra dose of vitamins. Special grapefruit cutlery sets are commercially available. These consist of a knife with cutting options on both sides and a pointed spoon, also with cutting options.
Sweet grapefruits don’t need any added sugar. The bitter varieties can be sweetened with honey. A very special taste experience is also achieved with rum or cognac. The pulp of the grapefruit can be used in fruit salad or to round off desserts. Grapefruit is a great addition to poultry dishes in hearty cuisine.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.