Why and How to Eat More Grapefruit

Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle

One of winter’s greatest gems:

The juicy grapefruit is more than a tart and tangy citrus fruit — it’s also a food rich in nutrients that, among other things, decrease your risk of insulin resistance (precursor to Type 2 diabetes), according to published research. Thanks to its immune-building vitamin C, phytonutrients called limonoids, and, in pink and red grapefruits, antioxidant-boosting lycopene, the grapefruit is truly a powerhouse of health benefits. Here’s a look at new ways to eat grapefruit now!

How Many Ways Can You Eat a Grapefruit?

There’s more than one way to eat a grapefruit! Consider the following techniques:

Classic: One of the most beloved ways to eat a grapefruit is to slice it in half with a knife, cut around the perimeter and the segments, and then use a spoon to scoop out the fruit. For a full description, complete with photos, check out this article from The Kitchn!
Grapefruit Spoon: With a specially designed grapefruit spoon, you have a tool that both cuts out grapefruit pieces and scoops them to your mouth.
Segmented: In the same way you can peel an orange, you can peel a grapefruit. Then, separate all the segments, peel off their pith, and enjoy a big bowl of juicy, tart fruit!
Wedges: Slice a grapefruit into wedges or slices.
Broiled: For a dessert-like twist on traditional grapefruit halves, top them with sugar and broil them. For an example, Check out this recipe from AllRecipes.

Grapefruit Recipes & Ideas

When you want to add a little more variety to your grapefruit routine, check out the following recipes, which range from morning smoothies to decadent desserts!

Grapefruit Smoothies / VanillaExtract.me: Combine a grapefruit with frozen strawberries, a banana, orange juice, yogurt, vanilla, and honey, and you have a tart, refreshing smoothie that’s as delicious as it is good for your health.
Grapefruit Sorbet / HowSweetEats.com: There’s nothing more in this sorbet than grapefruit and sugar, but that’s all it takes to create a light, bright, lemonade-like frozen treat.
Grapefruit and Sage Mimosa / BakeaholicMama.com: Take grapefruit enjoyment to a whole new level with this fizzy drink that combines grapefruit juice with sparkling wine and sage leaves.
Avocado, Grapefruit, and Edamame Salad / JoytheBaker.com: Make a meal out of citrus by combining it with avocado and edamame in this salad from Joy the Baker.
Spinach and Grapefruit Salad / EatingWell.com: Both beautiful and flavorful, this salad features spinach, pink grapefruit and white jicama, tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Grapefruit with Vanilla-Honey and Coconut / Food52.com: Keep things light and simple with this pretty dish featuring coconut, grapefruit segments, honey, butter, a vanilla bean, and yogurt.
Grapefruit Salsa / Mamawatters.Blogspot.com: Add interest to your taco night by trying this fresh and flavorful salsa studded with grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes.
Grapefruit Cake / CupcakesandCashmere.com: From zest in the cake to juice in the syrup and the glaze, this sweet teacake feels like a refined treat!
Grapefruit Lemon Bars / Foodista.com: With a buttery crust and a grapefruit spin on lemon, these tangy bars are mouthwatering and decadent.
Grapefruit Pudding / When Harry Met Salad: Even the blogger who posted this recipe, adapted from “The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook,” said it sounded strange at first. But in the end it yields a “reassuring richness that’s beautifully balanced by the refreshing zing of grapefruit.”

What are your thoughts on grapefruit? Do you already love them, or could you use a few new ideas to win you over? Why not try the recipes and tips in this post to work more of this winter citrus into your life?

About the Author:

Chris Bekermeier is Vice President, Sales & Marketing of PacMoore, one of the leading contract food packaging companies processing dry ingredients for the food industry. Located in Hammond, IN, PacMoore’s capabilities include blending, spray drying, re-packaging, sifting, & consumer packaging.