Gung-Ho for Grapefruit

From Seed to St. Petersburg

The current theory is grapefruits are a splinter variety of citrus trees dating back 5-6 million years ago. The first tree was grown in Asia over 4,000 years ago. It originated as a natural hybrid of the pomelo or shaddock and the sweet orange. They were grown widely throughout Barbados in the 1700s. In 1823, Odet Phillippe, a freed slave, is generally credited with bringing the grapefruit to Pinellas County, Florida, modern-day St. Petersburg. For many years, it was grown as a novelty for tourists.[1]

Photo courtesy of Phoenix Han

The Facts on the Fruit

Grapefruit [Citrus x paradisi] earned its unusual name because of the unique way it grows on citrus trees. You'll notice the fruit grows in a cluster like a bunch of large grapes. There are over twenty varieties of grapefruit grown within the United States. The fruit's pulp color classifies these fruits, ranging from deep red to brilliant white.[2] The ten most popular are:

White/Yellow: Duncan, Marsh, Melogold, Oroblanco

Usually, the sourest and least sweet

Pink: Chandler, Foster, Thomson

Red: Ruby Red, Rio Red, Flame

Both pink and red have a sweeter flavor

The darker the pulp, the sweeter the flavor

The Greatness of Grapefruit...Nutritionally

Here are a few of the major nutrients found in just half of a medium-sized grapefruit:

Calories: 52

Fat: 0.2g

Carbohydrates: 13g

Protein: 0.9g

Fiber: 2g

Vitamin A: 28%

Vitamin C: 64%

Vitamin B6: 5%

Folate: 4%

Thiamine: 4%

Calcium: 2%

Magnesium: 2%

Go for Grapefruit to improve...

Diabetes

Grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits available. Low in sugar, and grapefruits contain naringin. Naringin appears to have similar properties to an inhibitor that doctors use to improve glucose tolerance in people with type 2 diabetes.

Blood Pressure Health

The combination of fiber, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C, and choline in grapefruit may contribute to heart health. The American Heart Association suggests that increasing potassium intake can help patients reduce possible causes for high blood pressure. The D.A.S.H. diet lists grapefruit as one of its recommended fruit choices.[3]

Weight Loss

The "Grapefruit Diet" is one of the most popular diet trends around. A study found by consuming half a grapefruit before each meal; patients did lose weight over 12 weeks. Although the cause for weight loss is unknown, it is reasonable to include grapefruit in your diet program. [4]

Getting Grapefruit into your Diet

• Fresh grapefruit is available year-round

• Choose plump fruit with smooth thin, skins

• Grapefruit will not ripen after picking

• Fruit may be kept at room temperature for up to 6 days and refrigerated for several weeks

The best way to enjoy grapefruit is to eat one. Depending on which variety you choose, the fruit is easily peeled and broken down into segments. You may also scoop out the segments with a unique serrated spoon.

Photo courtesy of Utensil.org

One of the most straightforward recipes to enjoy is grapefruit segments and sliced avocado.

[recipe inspired by MICHELLE MINNAAR of Greedy Gourmet]

Grapefruits range doesn't just end there. Its acidic and sometimes sweet nature makes it culinary friends with loads of everyday ingredients.

bananas brussels sprouts cabbage

cilantro mint oranges

pineapple raspberries strawberries

rosemary cashews grains

pasta

Don’t toss those grapefruit peels

The peels can be used as well. Save them to whip up a quick and easy grapefruit scrub which will exfoliate and wake up your skin! [5]

Recipe inspired by Foodservice.com

#healthyshopping #veganonabudget #vegancooking #vegannutrition #diybeauty

#reducefoodwate #angryveganchef #veganrd2be #5dollar5starmeals

References

1. Poppenheimer L. February is National Grapefruit Month — Peel and Eat | Green Groundswell. https://greengroundswell.com/february-is-national-grapefruit-month-peel-and-eat/2013/02/25/. Published February 25, 2013. Accessed February 21, 2021. https://greengroundswell.com/february-is-national-grapefruit-month-peel-and-eat/2013/02/25/

2. no_name12. Types of Grapefruit: Pink, Yellow, Green, Sweet and More Varieties. Leafy Place. Published August 9, 2019. Accessed February 21, 2021. https://leafyplace.com/types-of-grapefruit/

3. National Heart, and Blood Institute. In Brief: Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH.; 2015. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/dash_brief.pdf

4. Dow CA, Going SB, Chow H-HS, Patil BS, Thomson CA. The effects of daily consumption of grapefruit on body weight, lipids, and blood pressure in healthy, overweight adults. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental. 2012;61(7):1026-1035. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2011.12.004

5. Murphy D. Red Grapefruit Scrub Recipe. FoodnService. Published January 7, 2017. Accessed February 21, 2021. https://foodnservice.com/red-grapefruit-body-scrub/