Everything to Know About Cooking and Shopping for In Season Grapefruit

The best way to shop? With the seasons. So, every 2 weeks at Kitchen Stories, we’ll be highlighting a different in-season ingredient along with 3 new recipes. To market, we go!

When winter comes and it gets cold outside, it’s finally time for grapefruits again! We can always rely on the bittersweet citrus fruit when it comes to a good dose of vitamins. Grapefruits are often served for breakfast or a snack, but this winter you should try it in savory main dishes, salads and more.

What’s your favorite recipe with grapefruit? Tell us in the comments, then upload a picture of your creations for all to enjoy!

1. Hello, My Name is Grapefruit

Grapefruits are citrus fruits and a combination of an orange and a pomelo. Yes, you’ve read correct: a grapefruit is no pomelo. Though they often get referred to interchangeably and are in fact quite similar, they are botanically two types of fruits.

Grapefruits are smaller than pomelos and less sweet. Ripe grapefruits have a strong flavor and a firm, smooth skin. Depending on the type of fruit, the skin and flesh can be colored differently. You’ll find many variations—from pale-yellow to reddish-yellow skin, and bright-pink flesh.

2. Why to Buy Grapefruit

Many health and fitness gurus swear by the power of grapefruits. Like many citrus fruits, they are low in calories and fat but high in fiber. The dietary fiber pectin is especially interesting. It has positive effects on digestion, suppresses our appetite, and lowers cholesterol level.

The grapefruit’s bitterness also boosts fat digestion and makes the fruit a perfect match for a diet. It also provides plenty of vitamin B and C that support our cell protection and immune defense.

3. When to Buy Grapefruit

Although you can buy grapefruits all year round, they do have a peak season that lasts from October to March. In other words, they taste best in the colder months.

In order to grow, grapefruit needs a constantly warm environment, which is why the main growing areas for grapefruits are the Caribbean Islands and Southern United States, especially Florida. In supermarkets, you’ll also find grapefruits from Spain, Turkey, South Africa, and Israel.

4. How to Find and Store the Perfect Grapefruit

The heavier the grapefruit, the juicier it is! When looking for the perfect grapefruit, make sure to set soft fruits aside—they’re no good.

Once you’ve found ripe and juicy grapefruits, store them at approx. 10 – 15°C/50 – 60°F. You can also keep them in the fruit compartment of your fridge where they stay good for several weeks and even improve in taste.

5. What to Make Next

All week long, we’ll be featuring new grapefruit recipes on Kitchen Stories. Check back to see what’s new, then try one for yourself! Here’s where to start: