How to choose grapefruit that is delicious and sweet

Choosing delicious and sweet pomelos mainly depends on five key points: fruit shape, skin, weight, aroma, and place of origin.

1. Fruit shape

High quality pomelos are mostly pear shaped or gourd shaped with a pointed top and wide bottom, and have a stable and upright bottom. Grapefruits with excessively pointed or round fruit tips may have uneven fruit flesh development. Specific varieties such as Shatian pomelo have iconic neck like protrusions, so attention should be paid to the characteristics of the variety when purchasing. Grapefruits with high adhesion between the skin and flesh have better maturity, and when lightly pinched, they can feel full and elastic.

2. Skin

Mature pomelos should have a uniform yellow or light yellow skin, while honey pomelos may have a pink hue. Avoid choosing fruits that are green or partially blackened. The pores on the epidermis are delicate and glossy, and the oil cells are plump and prominent, which is preferred. Dark spots or large depressions on the surface may have been frostbitten or moldy. Red heart pomelo should choose varieties with a deep red color. The larger the red surface area, the higher the sweetness.

3. Weight

The heavier the grapefruit at the same volume, the more abundant the moisture in the flesh. When weighing with both hands, there is a noticeable sense of heaviness, and there is no hollow sound when shaking. Yuzu weighing around 500 grams usually has a balanced sweetness and acidity ratio, while large fruits weighing over 800 grams may pose a risk of lignification. Small varieties such as Wendan pomelo are recommended to consume 200-300 grams.

4. Odor

Fresh grapefruit emits a fresh citrus aroma, with a stronger scent near the fruit stem. Honey pomelos have a sweet honey aroma and no fermented or moldy taste. The aroma of grapefruit stored at low temperature is relatively light, and it can be judged after being cooled down at room temperature. If there is a pungent chemical odor on the skin, it may have undergone preservation treatment.

5. Origin

Core production areas such as Fujian Guanxi honey pomelo, Guangxi Shatian pomelo, and Guangdong Meizhou golden pomelo have more stable fruit quality. Grapefruits that ripen naturally from October to December have a higher sweetness, while those that are sold too early may undergo ripening treatment. Fruits in mountainous areas with large temperature differences between day and night accumulate more sugar, while pomelos in coastal areas usually have more abundant juice.

It is recommended to store grapefruit at home in a cool and ventilated place, peel it off and consume it as soon as possible. The fruit pulp can be paired with lily and Tremella to make desserts, or with shrimp to make salads. After sun drying, grapefruit peel can be boiled in water as a tea drink, but it is not suitable for people with weak gastrointestinal health to consume on an empty stomach. Eating about 200 grams of grapefruit per day can meet the demand for vitamin C. During the medication period, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine if it is suitable for consumption.