6 Tips To Pick a Perfectly Ripe Grapefruit Every Time

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit with a sweet-tart taste that reaches its peak during the winter months. Rich in vitamin C, grapefruits can help support your immune system during cold and flu season.

When shopping for grapefruit, there are several ways to spot the sweetest, juiciest fruit to enjoy.

A ripe grapefruit should have a yellow skin that may have a red or pink tint. Avoid fruits with green spots, which may not be ripe. You should also avoid fruits with soft brown spots, as these grapefruits may be overripe or damaged.

The skin should be firm and tight. Lightly squeeze the grapefruit; it should give slightly then bounce back. Also avoid grapefruits with dull, wrinkled or excessively bumpy skin.

A ripe grapefruit will have flat poles. The poles are the upper and lower ends of the fruit, with the dimples. Choose a fruit that is slightly oval with flat sides rather than perfectly round.

When selecting a grapefruit, weigh the fruit in your palm. You want a fruit that is surprisingly heavy for its size. This indicates a high liquid content, which means the grapefruit will be juicy.

There are three main varieties of grapefruit, depending on the color of their flesh: white, pink/red, and star ruby/rio red. Pink and red fruits tend to be sweeter and higher in nutrients.

The peak season for citrus fruits like grapefruit is in winter, as they grow in warm climates, such as Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Although you can buy grapefruit year-round in most supermarkets, seasonal selections are often considered sweeter and tastier. Fruits grown in their natural season reach full maturity, while fruits grown out of season are often picked a little earlier. This can affect the juiciness, flavor intensity and texture of the fruit.

Additionally, seasonal produce can retain more nutrients, as vitamins will break down during long-term storage. Eating freshly picked fruit will ensure you get the most nutrients.

Once you have selected your grapefruit, here are some tips for storing the fruit:

• Store your grapefruit at room temperature for up to a week. The grapefruit will continue to sweeten as it sits.
• You can also store grapefruit in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks.
• After opening the fruit, store it in the refrigerator for no more than three to five days.

There are several ways to enjoy grapefruit:

• Cut it in half and arrange each section with a spoon.
• Peel the fruit and eat it like an orange.
• Cut fruit to use as a garnish on salads, yogurt, or other dishes.
• Toast it in the oven with a light dusting of sugar for a sweet dessert.