Selection Method for Red Heart Pomelo

Choosing a red heart pomelo can be judged for maturity and quality by observing its appearance, pressing the skin, weighing it, smelling the aroma, and looking at the fruit stem. High quality red heart pomelos usually have a symmetrical and full appearance, a tight and elastic skin, a heavy hand feel, a clear and sweet fruit aroma, and fresh green fruit stems.

1. Observe the appearance

Mature red pomelos are mostly pear shaped or gourd shaped, with a wide bottom and a slightly pointed top, and the fruit shape is symmetrical without any concave deformities. The epidermis should be smooth and delicate, with a uniform color of light yellow or light orange. If there are large areas of green or black spots, they may not be fully mature or have deteriorated. The surface oil cells are evenly distributed and slightly raised, and if they are too smooth, it may be due to waxing treatment.

2. Press the skin

Gently press the top of the grapefruit with your thumb. The high-quality fruit skin is tight and elastic, and can quickly rebound after pressing. If you feel soft and collapsed when pressing, it may indicate that the flesh has lost water or is too ripe. Be careful to avoid choosing pomelos with skin as hard as stones, as they usually have thick skin and dry flesh. Fresh grapefruit skins may release a small amount of aromatic oils, but there should be no mucus or damaged exudate.

3. Weighing

The heavier the grapefruit at the same volume, the more abundant the moisture in the flesh. Holding the pomelo with both hands and weighing it up and down, the heavy fruit usually has thin skin and thick flesh, while the light and floating fruit may have a large proportion of skin or lose water after being stored for too long. You can compare the same batch of pomelos and choose individuals who are relatively heavier. However, it should be noted that excessive weight may be due to injection induced weight gain, and a comprehensive judgment should be made based on other characteristics.

4. Smell

Fresh red pomelos can be smelled near the stem, with a fresh sweet aroma and a slightly bitter citrus flavor. If there is a smell of fermented wine, sourness, or mold, it indicates that it has spoiled and is not suitable for purchase. Grapefruits stored at low temperatures have a lighter odor and can be placed at room temperature to cool down before smelling again. Some businesses will spray essence to cover up their defects, so they need to be alert to the unnatural aroma that is too strong.

5. Look at the fruit stem

The stem of a healthy grapefruit is greenish green and full, moist, with no blackening or decay at the junction with the fruit. Dried and yellowed fruit stems indicate longer harvesting time and decreased freshness. If the fruit stem has fallen off, it is necessary to check whether the concave part of the stem is moldy. Some pomelos will retain a small section of branches, and those with green and resilient branches are preferred. Dead branches that are prone to breakage will be stored for a longer period of time.

It is recommended to store the selected red pomelo in a cool and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight. Unpeeled intact pomelos can be stored at room temperature for a long time. After peeling, they should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated, and consumed as soon as possible. When eating, you can first rub grapefruit to separate the flesh and make it easier to peel. The flesh is rich in vitamin C and lycopene, but it is not suitable to consume large amounts on an empty stomach due to its cold nature. If the flesh becomes bitter or woody, it should be stopped from consumption. Special populations such as those with weak gastrointestinal function or during medication are recommended to consult a physician before consuming in moderation.