Grapefruit: varieties and their characteristics

Citrus lovers rarely lose sight of grapefruit, which have a bright rich flavor and many beneficial properties.Many domestic gardeners even try to grow individual varieties in their country houses, hoping to enjoy the delicious fruits of evergreen tree. Currently, breeders have presented a variety of grapefruit varieties that differ in shape, color and weight, as well as growing conditions. Some of them can be successfully grown right at home.

The grapefruit was discovered in India, in Barbados, in 1650. A century later, the first name “forbidden fruit” was given to him by a Welsh priest named Griffiths Hughes. Initially, this fruit was eaten with caution, since it remained unrecognizable for many. Many mistakenly mistook it for unripe pomelo, and others for a bitter orange. However, it was only later that Jamaican traders discovered the secret of this juicy fruit and gave it the name "grapefruit", which in fact was the result of natural hybridization of pomelo and orange.

The name of the grapefruit was due to the growth of the fruit. They grow on the same evergreen tree in a subtropical climate. The tree is characterized by a small length, the stem of which reaches an average of 5-7 m. Its leaves are thin, of a dark green shade.

Grapefruit fruits themselves soon grow from white flowers. They gather in clusters on branches, like grapes, and ripen together, acquiring the most characteristic yellow-orange color characteristic of the classic fruit. Hence the name grapefruit - «grape» from the English. "Grapes" and "fruit" - respectively, "fruit". On average, the diameter of one fruit reaches about 15 cm.

Currently, about 20 grapefruit varieties have been bred, which have differences in color, shape and taste. Red, white, yellow, and pink fruit are often distinguished. Some varieties are devoid of seeds inside. Some of them manage to grow in the middle lane by domestic farmers in greenhouses. Sometimes it is even possible to get a high-quality crop for an ordinary amateur in home apartment conditions, growing grapefruit as an ornamental plant, in spacious pots and properly caring for it.

Use grapefruit mainly in raw fresh form. Serve as an excellent ingredient for making juice and fruit salads. On average contains the following BZHU:

• caloric content - 29-32 kcal;
• proteins - 0.7 g;
• fats - 0.2 g;
• carbohydrates - 6.5 g

Grapefruit is the most useful of citrus fruits and includes many different substances. These primarily include:

• vitamins C, B1, D, P, A;
• essential oils;
• trace elements, including potassium, magnesium and calcium;
• glucose;
• organic acids;
• cellulose.

Red fruit is extremely useful for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, positively affecting the walls of blood vessels. In addition, its fruits are recommended for people with high cholesterol, because they lead to its decrease. Also, clinical studies have shown that grapefruit contributes to quality weight loss in women. With regular use in small quantities, a positive effect on the overall condition of the skin is also noticed - it becomes more elastic and velvety.

This fruit experts often advise those who have depression and stress, because it brings the body to tone and improves mood.

The harm of a grapefruit lies in its contraindications. Since the fetus contains a lot of acids, it can not be used by people with many stomach ailments - especially ulcers and high acidity. Also, doctors forbid its use to people who are prescribed a course of antihistamine and anticancer drugs, as well as antidepressants, since the fruit reduces the effect of their effects on the body.In addition, studies are currently underway to determine the effect of grapefruit on increasing estrogen in women and metabolic disorders.

You will learn more about the beneficial properties of grapefruit in the following video.

The most popular now are grapefruits with rich yellow-orange peel and red flesh. Consider the most current varieties of red and pink grapefruits.

Was launched in 1984 in the United States, Texas. Now it makes up 75% of the total grapefruit market. The variety has a strong-growing tree, on which large fruits grow - up to 450 g per fruit. The peel is soft, but dense, light orange, often with pink pigmentation. The flesh itself is very juicy, saturated red color. Rio Red grapefruit has a bright and rich sweet taste with bitter notes. Little stones. A great option for making juices.

It is the predecessor of the previous variety. More demanding to care and maintenance. It grows slowly, but has a rich texture and bright sour-bitter taste. Suitable for lovers of classic grapefruit. The peel is smooth and thin, the flesh is quite juicy. Currently, entrepreneurs rarely take up the cultivation of this variety, but it is still relevant among gardeners amateur. The tree is low, suitable for growing in the apartment.

Discovered in 1907, in the state of Texas. The tree grows tall and sprawling. Fruits are large in size and smooth skinned greenish-pink color. The shape is neat, slightly flattened at the poles. Sweet flesh with sour and bitter notes, rich pink color.

Few people know that grapefruits are not only pink. It is worth more to dwell on more unusual shades - white and yellow.

This is the oldest variety of grapefruit, which is grown up since the 1890s. It is considered the most frost-resistant and suitable for growing in the middle lane. The tree has large leaves, but their number is quite small. At the beginning of ripening, the fruits have a white color, after yellow. The flesh is white and has a sweet and sour taste.

A hybrid of pomelo and tangerine, which has a bright pronounced sweet taste with sour notes. The stem of the tree is powerful and tall, the fruits are large. The rind is ribbed and resembles a lemon in its structure and color, and in shape is a large yellow-orange mandarin. The flesh is white and yellow, juicy. Differs in high periods of storage.

It is considered the leading variety of white grapefruit. It stands out because it has almost no seeds. Sprawling tree, with an average degree of foliage. Fruits neat, slightly flattened at the poles, even pale yellow color. The flesh is white with yellow filling, has a bittersweet flavor.

These are the most popular grapefruit varieties, which can be purchased on the market and in stores, or grown on your own at home.