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Fun Facts

Grapefruit is not a grape fruit! It got its name from the way it grows in clusters just like grapes. Grapefruit is actually a happy accident -- a hybrid between an orange and a pomelo. A relatively recent discovery, grapefruit was grown in the 1700s on the Caribbean island of Barbados. A hundred years earlier, the pomelo made its way to the island from Indonesia. Grapefruit holds the distinct honor of being the only citrus fruit to originate in the Americas. There are a quite a few varieties, but the ones that make it to the grocery store are blonde, pink and red. Some varieties are seedless, while others are stuffed with up to 50 seeds each.

Star Power

Vitamin C-rich grapefruit not only pumps up the immune system, it can reduce cold symptoms and help reduce heart disease and cholesterol. The antioxidants in grapefruit can help reduce inflammation, which in turn can help reduce asthma. Red grapefruit is famous for its high lycopene content, which makes it a powerful adversary for cell-damaging free radicals. Grapefruit is full of fiber to keep digestion flowing, plus vitamin A for healthy eyes. Did you know that the vitamin C in grapefruit helps with wound healing and healthy looking skin?

Quick Preps

PREPARE:

1. Wash the outside, then cut grapefruit in half through the center.
2. Use a small knife to separate the pulp from the skin, then cut each triangle.
3. Spoon out each triangle.

• Eat the grapefruit triangles plain.
• Make a grapefruit salad with avocado, fennel and red onion.
• Blend grapefruit with ice for a slushy.