Grapefruits: The refreshing taste of the South

Grapefruits are a polarizing factor. Some people love these citrus fruits, while others simply find them too bitter. However, the fact is that grapefruits are very healthy. Grapefruits are especially essential for a slim figure. But this slightly bitter citrus fruit offers much more, and we'd like to explore that in this chapter.

What you should know about grapefruit

Grapefruits have a diameter of up to 15 cm. The peel of these citrus fruits is very thick, about one centimeter thick. This peel contains an enormous amount of essential oils. When you open a grapefruit, you'll be hit with a powerful fragrance.

The essential oil smells very pleasant and is therefore often used in the perfume industry.

Grapefruits come in about 20 different varieties. Some are a little sweeter, others a little more tart. Ruby Red and Redblush are pink grapefruit varieties that have a tart, sweet flavor with a very subtle bitter note. These have become increasingly popular recently and taste absolutely delicious. The Sunrise and Star Ruby varieties are also sweet grapefruits, while Jaffa grapefruits are among the more tart varieties.

The origin of grapefruits

The grapefruit is said to have originated relatively late compared to other citrus fruits. It is said to have originated in Barbados in 1750 and is a cross between an orange and a pomelo. It arrived in Florida as early as 1823, where it is still cultivated commercially today.

The grapefruit season

Today, the fruit is also grown on a large scale in Israel and South Africa. Therefore, grapefruits can always be imported from one of these countries. Therefore, these special citrus fruits are in season year-round and can be purchased in our supermarkets at any time of year.

The taste of grapefruit

Depending on the variety, grapefruits are more or less bitter. They have a tart, sour flavor, but there are also sweet varieties and varieties. All grapefruits have one thing in common: they are very juicy and aromatic. If you don't like the tart flavor of grapefruits, you shouldn't miss out on freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, as it's very healthy. You can mix the juice with a touch of date sugar or honey, and the bitter taste will disappear.

Ingredients & Effects - Properties of Grapefruits

Grapefruit is considered a weight-loss fruit, and rightly so. The bitter substance naringin burns body fat faster. At the same time, this bitter substance is important for detoxification and purification. This also relieves strain on the liver. If you have liver problems, grapefruit should be on your menu several times a week.

At the same time, grapefruits are very low in sugar, making them perfect for a slim figure. They're also full of vitamin C, thus supporting your immune system.

The pectin contained in grapefruit stimulates digestion and also acts as a filling fiber. Pectin also acts as an appetite suppressant. When you eat a grapefruit, you won't feel hungry again as quickly, and cravings for sweets will also be curbed.

However, anyone taking specific medication should consult their doctor before consuming grapefruit. Grapefruit can cause side effects, for example, when taking the contraceptive pill or other hormonal medications.

Certain heart medications, antidepressants, and asthma medications may also interact poorly with grapefruit. Please always consult your doctor.

Grapefruits vs. Pomelo and Pomelo - What's the Difference?

All three fruits are distinct and distinct varieties. Pomelos are the largest fruits and can grow as large as a soccer ball. With these fruits, you must remove the peel and skin of the individual citrus segments, as this is so bitter. The flesh itself, however, is sweet and sour and very juicy. Pomelos are cultivated in Asia and South America.

Pomelo fruits originate primarily from Southeast Asia. Pomelo fruits can have a slightly oval, often pear-shaped appearance. The skin is yellow to green, and the flesh is pink, rose, red, light yellow, or greenish-yellow, depending on the variety. Pomelo fruits can also grow up to 30 cm in diameter. However, the skins are not as thick as those of pomelos, and the skin surrounding the segments can be eaten. Pomelo fruits are sweet and sour with a slightly tart flavor.

Grapefruits are always much smaller than pomelos or pomeloes. You can choose between sweet, sour, and bitter varieties.

How healthy are grapefruits?

Grapefruits are very healthy, and even if the bitterness puts you off at first, you should get used to them. Yes, you read that right, you can get used to the bitterness. Over time, the more often you eat grapefruit, the more delicious you'll find it. It's best to start with the sweeter pink varieties and work your way up slowly.

Did you know that these bitter substances are so important for your body? These bitter substances are true fat burners, detoxify your body, relieve strain on your liver, and support your weight loss.

Grapefruits can also help lower your cholesterol. They can also lower blood pressure, thus helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks. The carotenoids they contain are important for the cardiovascular system and also have a positive effect on eye health. Grapefruits are also reputed to reduce the risk of cancer.

Nutritional values ​​of grapefruits per 100 grams

Grapefruits are full of important vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

100 grams of grapefruit contains:

42 kcal 8 g sugar 0.6 g protein 0.2 g fat

45 mg vitamin C 180 mg potassium 18 mg calcium 10 mg magnesium

Special: Grapefruit juice

You get a large yield of juice from a grapefruit, pomelo, or pomelos. These citrus fruits are therefore ideal for juicing. The juice tastes wonderfully refreshing and is full of energy. The subtle bitterness in grapefruit juice is also a real pick-me-up. Therefore, it's especially recommended to take grapefruit juice with you to work. Whenever you feel a little tired, grapefruit juice will pull you back from your slump.

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