FRESH & IN SEASON

Grapefruit

Save your skin and lower cholesterol with this super citrus.

Sweet, tart and tangy, grapefruits are in their prime during the winter, although you can find them year-round. Grapefruits are not only excellent sources of vitamin C, they are also good sources of fiber, vitamin A, potassium, folate and vitamin B5. The pink and red varieties are also good sources of lycopene.

Studies have shown that the soluble fiber in grapefruit may even be beneficial in lowering cholesterol. And new research shows that consuming vitamin C-rich foods, such as grapefruit, is linked with youthful skin.

White grapefruits, yellow-skinned with pale buff to yellow flesh, are bittersweet with a pleasant acidity, but may not be suited to all tastes. Red blush or ruby varieties, with light pink to deep red flesh, are naturally sweeter and juicier.

Shopping and storage tips:

Look for richly colored grapefruits with smooth, firm skin free of blemishes and scars that can indicate improper handling during transportation or insect damage.
Choose fruits that yield only slightly to firm hand pressure and feel heavy for their size, a good indicator of the potential juiciness that lies within.
Grapefruits can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 4 weeks or in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks.

Shine some light on a cold day by enjoying a grapefruit for breakfast or a snack, or in one of these inspired EatingWell recipes.

Recipes to try:

Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
Seafood Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Grapefruit Brûlée
Grapefruit Chicken Satay Salad
Candied Grapefruit Peels
Spinach & Grapefruit Salad
Fresh Grapefruit in Honey-Thyme Syrup
Grapefruit-Mint Chicken
Seared Scallops with Grapefruit Sauce
Chicken Sauté with Citrus Sauce
Rum-Spiked Fruit Salad

Learn why oranges can keep your skin youthful.
What’s Hot—Citrus Juicers
More Fresh & In Season: Oranges

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USER COMMENTS — Add Your Comment

While grapefruit does have many benefits, you left out one important fact. Grapefruit has a negative interaction with several commonly-used medications and individuals should check with their physician or pharmacist prior to adding grapefruit to their diet. I love grapefruit but cannot eat it for that reason.

Yolanda, Fort Walton Beach, FL

I have the same problem - Cholestrol lowering drugs such as statins do not interact well with grapefruit and are usually prohibited when taking these drugs.

Judy, Lancaster, TX