What should I do if the grapefruit is hard one by one

The hardening of grapefruit flesh may be related to variety characteristics, insufficient maturity, or improper storage, which can be solved by ripening treatment, adjusting consumption methods, or improving storage conditions.

1. Ripening treatment

Seal grapefruit with fruits such as apples and bananas that release ethylene and store them in paper bags. Ethylene can accelerate the breakdown of cell walls by pectinase, and usually soften the flesh in 2-3 days. The high content of cellulose and pectin in immature grapefruit flesh is the main reason for its high hardness. Be careful to avoid direct sunlight and keep the ambient temperature between 15-25 degrees Celsius for optimal results.

2. Heat softening

Steam grapefruit slices in water for 5-8 minutes. High temperature can hydrolyze the pectin substances in the cell wall, or heat them in a microwave over medium heat for 30 seconds. Heat treatment may lose some vitamin C, but it can significantly improve the taste and is suitable for direct consumption. Immediately peeling off the white sponge layer after heating can reduce the dissolution of bitter substances and retain more sweet flavor.

3. Processing and consumption

Hard fruit pulp is suitable for making honey grapefruit tea or jam, and boiling with sugar can damage the fiber structure. It is recommended to retain the outer skin layer with high content of grapefruit peel glycosides during processing, and mix it with the flesh in a ratio of 1:3 to enhance flavor and increase flavonoid content. The sauce can be paired with bread or mixed with drinks, and the recommended daily intake is no more than 50 grams.

4. Storage optimization

Whole pomelos should be placed in a cool and ventilated place with a humidity of 60% -70%. Cut pomelos should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated. Low temperature can inhibit the action of ethylene and cause the fruit flesh to harden. It is recommended to heat grapefruit that has been refrigerated for more than 3 days. Regularly check during storage, and discard immediately if mold spots appear.

5. Variety selection

Varieties such as Shatian pomelo and Wendan pomelo have a tighter texture, and it is better to press the bottom with moderate elasticity when purchasing. Grapefruits with insufficient maturity have green skin and light weight. It is recommended to choose fruits with yellow skin and a fragrant aroma. Grapefruits that are released in winter usually have a higher maturity than products that are out of season.

It is recommended to alternate the intake of grapefruit with citrus fruits in daily consumption to avoid excessive intake of a single nutrient. When storing, be careful to separate fruits that release ethylene, and it is recommended to consume cut fruit pulp within 24 hours. If grapefruit has a wine like taste or stickiness, it has spoiled. For those with weak gastrointestinal function, consuming hard fruit pulp may cause discomfort. They can switch to drinking warm grapefruit juice to supplement nutrition.