Grapefruit comes in varieties including pink, white and red. It is in the citrus family of fruits, and its peel is removed to reveal the edible flesh. Grapefruit can be tangy, bitter and sweet, and although they are available year round, they are in season from winter to spring.
Nutritional Facts
For a serving size of 1/2 a medium grapefruit, there are 40 calories and no fat, sodium and cholesterol. It also contains 10 g of carbohydrates, of which 9 are from sugars and 1 from dietary fiber. There is also 1 g of protein and 70 percent of your daily value of vitamin C, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Grapefruit also contains vitamin A, potassium and folate.
Health Benefits
The grapefruit peel contains pectin, which is a soluble dietary fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol. The color of the grapefruit flesh is due to an antioxidant compound called lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and other yellow, red and orange fruits and vegetables. According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have shown that lycopene protects against prostate, stomach and lung cancer, but not all studies have been conclusive.
Choosing and Storage
Grapefruits should be firm but slightly springy when gently pressed. A good grapefruit can have skin discoloration or scratches, because such imperfections do not impact the taste or texture quality. Grapefruits are juicier at warmer temperatures, so they can be stored at room temperature if consumed in a week. Otherwise, they should be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
Uses
Grapefruit can be eaten like an orange, peeled into slices. You can also eat grapefruit by slicing the entire fruit in half and using a spoon to scoop out the flesh for consumption. Grapefruit can be cubed and added to salads and cereal. They can also be juiced similarly to oranges to drink at breakfast.
Member Comments