What are the different types of grapefruit?
Grapefruits are the type of fruit that you can not miss when doing your shopping list; it has a singular taste and it has tons of health benefits, but did you know there are different types of grapefruits!
There are over 10 different types of grapefruits and here you can learn all about them and much more about this particular and wholesome fruit.
Getting your grapefruit knowledge down will allow you to get the best type of grapefruit to suit your needs.
This tropical tree that has a somewhat bitter taste, is a must in numerous recipes. Widely regarded for its juice and dessert recipes, grapefruits have the ability to give a unique taste to savory dishes as well. Think about grapefruits as the middle ground between oranges and lemons; these offer that signature zing and slightly bitter notes that go perfect in numerous sweet and savory recipes.
So, get your grapefruit ABC’s game strong and learn about the different types of grapefruits.
Who Should We Thank For Bringing Us Grapefruits?
Believe it or not, the grapefruit came to be as the result of an error. According to the books, Barbados’ farmers bred by accident, a pomelo and an orange. It received its name after another farmer in Jamaica compared its taste with that of a grape and called it grapefruit back in the 1800s.
13 Different Types Of Grapefruit
It’s easy to mix up an orange with a grapefruit, both their skin is typically a bright orange color. However, when you cut open a grapefruit is a whole different story because their flesh comes in white, red, or pink.
Though we find at least 13 different types, most grapefruits are the same in texture and most have no seeds. Check out the different types below.
Flame Grapefruit
It’s known for its dark pink flesh. This type of grapefruit is very juicy and sweet and has no seeds and you easily find it starting in November until May. You can store them for several months and enjoy them even if they aren’t in season.
Lavender Gem Grapefruit 
Also called pink tangelo or plain tangelo; this type of grapefruit is a blend between a grapefruit and tangelo. It is small in size and when you cut it open it has pinkish-blue flesh. It has nearly no seeds and a mild flavor. These are easy to identify thanks to their yellow or pink blush skin. It is ideal for drinks, juicing, and a bowl of fruit salad.
Duncan Grapefruit
This type of grapefruit is one of the oldest types and was created in Florida. This is a popular type of grapefruit due to its fantastic flavor as it is considered the sweetest type and is widely popular for its juice.
Having a glass of Duncan grapefruit juice will not only refresh your summers but will also make a healthy part of your diet.
Marsh Seedless Grapefruit
Also known as the white marsh grapefruit, this type has the appearance of a big lemon and it is yellow both on the outside and the inside.
The marsh seedless grapefruit comes in other varieties such as the pink marsh and white marsh. These vary in comparison to their sweet and acidic levels.
Oro Blanco Grapefruit
This type of grapefruit is a mixture of pomelo and grapefruit. It is known for its yellow and sturdy skin, it has nearly zero seeds and is very luscious and sweet. It really makes reference to its name as it is pure gold (Oro in Spanish) as in very delectable. When you taste it there won’t be any acidic or bitter.
Melogold Grapefruit
This is another hybrid resulting from pomelo and grapefruit. The melogold originated in California and it is a favorite of those who prefer a juicy type of fruit. It tastes just like a juicy orange with just a touch of grapefruit blended in.
Pomelos
Pomelo or Chinese grapefruit, is the mother of all the other grapefruit blends originates from. These are large in size and have a green or yellow peel. Pomelos have a mild taste and a bitter pith and are often used in salads.
Star Ruby Grapefruit
Star ruby grapefruit can’t be missed; it presents a yellow skin and when cut open, it has an intense red and pink inside. This type of grapefruit is both sour and sweet.
Pink Grapefruit
Pink grapefruit is described by many as one of the most delicious types of grapefruits. People often eat the flesh by itself or use it to make natural, fresh juice. It is a balance between sweet and sour and is often compared to red and white grapefruit.
Red Grapefruit
As you may imagine, red grapefruit has a deep red flesh. It receives its color from lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant. The red grapefruit is perhaps the most bitter of all the types of grapefruit.
Thompson Grapefruit
This type of grapefruit has been around for years, it is one of the senior types and is a variation of the marsh seedless aka, the pink marsh grapefruit; these both taste very similar but the Thompson type doesn’t have any seeds. It is found mostly in Florida and Texas.
Its tree can grow up to be 25 feet tall and the fruit can stay on the tree for months.
Sweeties Grapefruit
This is a blend between a grapefruit and a pomelo. Don’t be fooled by the green peel and pale inside, sweeties grapefruit has a fantastic sweet flavor. Duh!
White Grapefruit
If you go for sour and sweet flavors, then white grapefruit is just right for you. White grapefruit shouldn’t be your choice if you like sweet flavor, that said is not like it has a bad flavor either. It has yellow skin and has a great aroma and goes well to add to juices and drinks
Which Grapefruit Do You Want to Try?
Not convinced to try a grapefruit yet? How about we tell you that grapefruits have excellent benefits for our health!
This amazing fruit has the power to keep you hydrated, support heart health and immune system, control cholesterol and stress levels, and even help you in your goal of losing weight. From the juice to the flesh to even the pith, every bit of the fruit contains great benefits. Believe it or not, though it tastes very bitter, the pith is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. In fact, that soft white part you always toss to the trash can help you control sugar levels and prevent colorectal cancer.
How To Keep Grapefruit Fresh?
Grapefruits can be found at your local supermarket all year-round, though the official season goes from October until May. The reason is that these do well in cold storage.
Once you get grapefruits home, you can decide between keeping it outside or inside your fridge for longer storage.
If your intention is to eat the grapefruit soon, then you might as well keep it in a basket or a bowl outside, at room temperature. Your grapefruits can last good for up to a week.
When sliced; cut the chunks or separate the segments and place the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate. This way you’ll be avoiding moisture and contaminants. Consume your grapefruit within three to four days.
How To Store Grapefruit So It Stays Fresh For Longer?
You can absolutely keep your grapefruits in good shape for several weeks! How? It is as easy as storing it properly inside your refrigerator.
If kept whole in the crisper drawer of your fridge and inside an airtight container or sealed bag, you can have grapefruits for up to two months.
Can you Freeze Grapefruit?
You can absolutely freeze grapefruit in order to extend its shelf life. If frozen, your grapefruit can last between six months to a whole year.
Follow these simple steps:
- Wash and rinse properly.
- Remove the skin and membrane then cut both top and bottom.
- Get rid of the pith and cut the segments.
- Put the pieces in a bowl, drain and transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container removing as much air as possible.
- Place in freezer
What To Do With Grapefruit Before It Goes Bad?
If you notice any signs of mold or your grapefruit shows a change in smell, color, or texture you would want to double-check if it hasn’t gone off. Remember, a good grapefruit should have a firm exterior, so, if the exterior becomes soft, it means it is going bad.
The easiest way to use your grapefruits before these go bad is to make juice out of them. That said, don’t allow your grapefruits to go bad because there are tons of recipes you can utilize this delicious fruit.
Our Favorite And Easiest Grapefruit Recipes
Easy Fat Burning Smoothie
One of the easiest and gratifying smoothies I love to make is this fat burning smoothie, that has helped me boost my metabolism.
Metabolism Boosting Red Grapefruit & Pineapple Smoothie
If you love grapefruit and pineapple, then you will love this delicious, metabolism-boosting red grapefruit and pineapple smoothie!
