Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Whole Food

Red Grapefruit

Citrus paradisi Allergen-Free
Red Grapefruit

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rutaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Caribbean
  • Seasonality Winter to Summer
  • Source Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The sweeter, sun-kissed cousin of the grapefruit family."

Definition

A popular citrus fruit with pink to deep red flesh, offering a balance of tartness, sweetness, and mild bitterness.

Sensory Profile

TasteTart, Sweet, Mildly bitter
TextureJuicy, Firm
AromaZesty, Floral
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Common Usage

Juice, Salads, Desserts.

Key Pigment

Lycopene (antioxidant)

Sweetness Level

Generally sweeter than white grapefruit.

Nutrition Facts

Per 150 g (1/2 fruit)
Calories42 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.8 g
Total Carbohydrate11 g
Dietary Fiber1.6 g
Total Sugars7 g
Calcium22 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium135 mg

Chef’s Secret

To create perfectly segmented grapefruit supremes, use a sharp knife to remove the peel and pith, then cut between the membranes.

Substitutions

Best Match

White Grapefruit

1:1

Similar texture and tartness, but generally more bitter and less sweet.

Pomelo

1:1

Larger, milder in flavor, less bitter, and thicker rind.

Blood Orange

1:1 (for color/tart)

Provides a similar vibrant color and tart-sweet balance, different flavor notes.

Orange

1:1 (for juice/zest)

Sweeter, less bitter, but provides similar acidic and citrusy notes.

Buying Guide

Select firm, heavy grapefruits with smooth, slightly glossy skin. Color intensity does not always indicate ripeness. Store as white grapefruit.

Flavor Pairings

Avocado mint seafood (shrimp scallops) gin honey feta cheese.