GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit is a shining example of citrus doing what comes naturally – cross-pollinating. In this case, it took place (apparently) in Barbados. Parents were new arrivals (in the seventeenth century) from Asia themselves the pomelo and orange. Little did Odet Philippe know it was the beginning of a billion-dollar American success story when he planted the country’s first grapefruit seeds in Florida in 1823. Numerous fad diets extolling grapefruit’s miraculous ‘fat-burning’ powers certainly boosted business. And no, they don’t have special fat-burning powers, and nor do they eliminate toxins. But if you do need to lose a few kilos, then half a grapefruit starts the day with a zing as part of an overall healthy diet. But there’s much more. Grapefruit perks up fruit and vegetable salads; is perfect for marmalades, granita, marinades and sauces; replaces water in bread, pikelets or scone making; and is ideal with oily fish, shellfish and avocado salsa.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Grapefuit, like all citrus fruit, is ripe and ready when it’s picked. Look for round, smooth, evenly coloured firm fruits that are heavy for their size (they will be juicy) and with no soft spots or blemishes. Glossy fruit with slightly flattened ends are preferable, and avoid those with puffy skins. They should have a mildly sweet fragrance at room temperature.

HOW TO STORE THEM

Grapefruit will keep well at room temperature for a week and are juiciest when slightly warm rather than chilled. If you want to store them longer, put them in the refrigerator for 6–8 weeks. If doing this, give them a chance to come up to room temperature before eating or juicing.

WHAT’S IN THEM?

A small grapefruit (about 210 g/7½ oz) has 240 kilojoules (57 calories), 2 g protein, no fat, 10 g carbs (all sugars), 1 g fibre, 250 mg potassium, and a very low GI (25) and GL (2).

WHAT ELSE?

Med alert. Some compounds in grapefruit can interact with some medicines, making the dose stronger or weaker than it should be. So if that new diet you have started recommends you eat a lot of grapefruit or you are just a grapefruit enthusiast, check with your doctor or pharmacist about potential problems with any prescription medicines you take.

HERO RECIPE

Grapefruit, orange and Aperol granita (here )