Florida Grapefruit 101

(NC) - Many people enjoy the taste of grapefruit, but know very little about this great fruit. What should you look for when buying a grapefruit? What's the best way to store grapefruit? Become a grapefruit guru with Florida grapefruit 101.

Interesting Facts About Grapefruit

• Grapefruit got its name from the way it grows on trees in clusters, like grapes.

• Florida grows more grapefruit than any other place in the world.

• Pink and red grapefruit get their colour from lycopene, an antioxidant which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

• One Florida grapefruit provides your complete daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Selecting Grapefruit

• Small blemishes on the skin of a grapefruit, called wind-scars, are simply the result of the tree's branches rubbing against the fruit. They do not affect the taste.

• Note the sticker on the outside of the fruit: if the grapefruit is grown in Florida, you can count on it to be juicy and sweet on the inside.

Storing Grapefruit

• Florida grapefruit always reaches your local supermarket ripe and ready to eat. It is not picked until it has reached maturity, nor does it ripen further after picking.

• Grapefruit should be stored in the crisper of your refrigerator where it will keep at top quality for up to three weeks.

• Unrefrigerated, grapefruit will remain fresh for four to five days.

Enjoying Grapefruit

• If refrigerated, allow grapefruit to warm to room temperature before eating or juicing.

• Peel, juice or slice your grapefruit and enjoy the refreshing taste.

• Although traditionally a breakfast food, grapefruit can easily be incorporated into and enjoyed with any meal.

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For more information about how to enjoy Florida grapefruit as part of a healthy diet, visit www.floridajuice.com

- News Canada