Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a large, tangy citrus fruit known for its distinctive bitter-sweet flavor, eaten fresh at breakfast, juiced, or used in salads and cocktails where its sharp acidity provides contrast.
How to buy
Choose grapefruit that feels heavy and firm for its size, a sign of juiciness, with smooth, tight skin. Slight scarring or discoloration on the rind doesn't affect quality, but soft spots or a spongy feel do. Pink and red varieties (like Ruby Red or Star Ruby) are generally sweeter than white-fleshed grapefruit, which tends to be more tart and bitter.
How to store
Grapefruit keeps at room temperature for about a week, or up to two to three weeks refrigerated in the crisper drawer. Juice it fresh for the best flavor, since the acidity and bitterness shift noticeably once juiced and stored -- fresh juice is best used within a couple of days. Whole segments can be frozen, though the texture softens upon thawing.
Culinary profile
- Flavor
- A distinctive balance of tart acidity, bright sweetness, and a lingering bitterness concentrated in the membrane and pith -- the bitterness comes largely from naringin, a compound mostly absent in sweeter oranges. Pink and red varieties are notably sweeter and less bitter than white grapefruit. A sprinkle of sugar or salt is a classic way to tame the bitterness when eating it plain.
- Texture
- Juicy, firm segments encased in a notably bitter, somewhat tough membrane that's typically removed before eating in salads or desserts. The flesh ranges from pale yellow to deep ruby red depending on variety.
- Aroma
- A bright, slightly bitter citrus aroma, sharper and less sweet-smelling than orange, with the zest carrying a more resinous, slightly piney edge.
How to prepare
- Halved and broiled — Cut in half, sometimes sugared, and broiled briefly for a warm, caramelized breakfast.
- Supremed — Segments cut free of all membrane and pith for a clean bite in salads.
- Juiced — Pressed for fresh juice, drunk plain or used in cocktails and marinades.
- Zested — The oil-rich peel grated fine for a sharp citrus note in desserts and cocktails.
- Candied peel — Strips of peel simmered in sugar syrup until tender, then dried, balancing the fruit's natural bitterness.
Classic dishes
American
- Broiled grapefruit — Grapefruit halves sugared and broiled until warm and lightly caramelized, a retro breakfast dish.
- Grapefruit and avocado salad — Grapefruit segments paired with creamy avocado and a light citrus vinaigrette.
- Greyhound cocktail — A simple highball of fresh grapefruit juice and gin or vodka.
- Grapefruit and crab salad — Sweet crab meat paired with tart grapefruit segments and a light dressing.
Italian
- Grapefruit granita — A coarse, icy dessert made by freezing and scraping sweetened grapefruit juice.
- Grapefruit and olive oil cake — A moist citrus cake made with grapefruit zest and juice folded into an olive oil batter.
Mexican
- Paloma — A tequila cocktail traditionally made with grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice and lime.
- Shrimp and grapefruit ceviche — Citrus-cured shrimp brightened with grapefruit segments and juice alongside lime.
French
- Grapefruit brûlée — Grapefruit halves topped with sugar and torched for a crisp caramelized crust.
- Grapefruit sorbet — A simple frozen dessert highlighting the fruit's bright, slightly bitter acidity.
Thai
- Som tam with grapefruit — Some regional variations on green papaya salad incorporate grapefruit for extra tartness.
Mediterranean
- Grapefruit and fennel salad — Shaved fennel and grapefruit segments tossed with olive oil for a bright, crunchy salad.
- Winter citrus salad — Mixed citrus including grapefruit tossed with olive oil, mint, and sometimes olives.
Vietnamese
- Pomelo-grapefruit salad — A tangy citrus and herb salad sometimes made with grapefruit in place of pomelo, tossed with shrimp and herbs.
British & Irish
- Grapefruit marmalade — A tangy preserve made from whole grapefruit, peel included, cooked down with sugar.
Substitutions
- Oranges — Use in salads for a milder, sweeter flavor without the bitterness; reduce added sugar accordingly.