Did you stop by so you could find out how to store grapefruit! Well, we are so happy you are here!
We are diving into the world of all things grapefruit today!
Citrus fruits come in all colors, sizes and flavors!
You are probably most familiar with lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and kumquats.
They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are known to boost the immune system.
Grapefruits are believed to have come from Barbados and the West Indies before they started spreading worldwide.
They were originally called “forbidden fruit” and are a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo.
Most varieties have pink or red flesh in segments just like oranges, but there are white varieties out there too.
They are mostly water and their juice is not overly sweet!
Grapefruit earned its name because it was observed growing in clusters on trees much the way grapes do.
Often 20-23 grapefruits can be seen growing in such a cluster.
A grapefruit tree can live for 50 years, grow to be 16-20 feet tall, and produce over 1,000 pounds of fruit each year.
Grapefruit harvesting is still done by hand when the fruit is ripe.
Fresh grapefruit is best close from the source because it is able to stay on the tree longer for development of nutrition and taste before harvesting.
When ripe, they have a sweet, tart, somewhat acidic taste which is seriously refreshing.
They range in size from four to six inches in diameter.
Grapefruits are the official state fruit of Texas and home to the Ruby Red Texas grapefruit variety.
How to store cut grapefruit
Storing grapefruit that has been freshly cut open, or peeled, is easy!
Most important thing to know is that it must be refrigerated.
The best method is to wrap the fresh grapefruit tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
It should be used within three to four days.
How to store uncut grapefruit
When you purchase a whole grapefruit, it can be kept at room temperature in a fruit bowl out of direct sunlight for about a week.
When storing grapefruits for two to three weeks, they will need to be placed in the refrigerator crisper drawer on the low humidity setting.
For best results, they need proper air circulation to prevent mold growth, so leave them open or in a mesh bag.
When planning to serve the fresh grapefruit, many believe it will be a bit juicier and taste a bit sweeter if allowed to return to room temperature.
Can you freeze grapefruit?
Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding YES!
Storing grapefruit in the freezer for future use is most absolutely possible.
Frozen grapefruit should last as a general rule of thumb about one year.
It will not necessarily go bad, but its flavor may deteriorate.
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice can also be frozen in an airtight container leaving half an inch space at the top for it to expand.
Can you freeze whole grapefruits?
The short answer is yes and no.
Yes, you can freeze the whole grapefruit.
No, you should not freeze the whole grapefruit with the peel, or rind, on.
So, the best way to freeze grapefruit is after peeling it.
How to freeze grapefruit
If you have never considered storing grapefruit in the freezer, let me walk you through the steps necessary for best success!
The grapefruit can indeed be frozen whole, cut into round wheels, separated into sections or even cut out of the white pith membrane into grapefruit slices.
Take a pan and a sheet of parchment paper and lay out the sections or wheels so they do not touch and cover in plastic wrap.
After one hour in the freezer, transfer them to a freezer bag or container that you can label and date, removing as much air as possible.
From there, they can be used as a fruit ice cube in water or in smoothies, juice, or jams.
Since the texture may be affected, these types of uses are best.
How about a lightly sweet and refreshing grapefruit cocktail?
Tips on picking out fresh grapefruit
Grapefruits are not perfectly round, they tend to have a slightly flat bottom and top.
The skin should not be green — that indicates it was picked before the ripening process was complete.
Be on the lookout for a yellow, pink, red or deep orange skin color.
It should feel firm to the touch without soft spots, bruising or mold.
Grapefruits are often available year-round but they do have peak seasons depending on where you live.
The bottom line
Several final thoughts on grapefruits that may come in handy to know.
Grapefruit juice does interact with some medications like those for allergies and make them less effective.
Other times, grapefruit juice can alter the potency. Always check with your doctor if you are taking prescription medication to see if this risk is one you need to be aware of.
On the plus side, in addition to being fat free, grapefruits are low in calories and high in fiber, which explains why they are often used in weight loss plans.
So, enjoy those citrus fruits! Need some Grapefruit Recipes to help you along?
