Grapefruit Healthy Food Guide

Peak season: Winter

Recipe shown above: Grapefruit Chicken Satay Salad

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.

Tips

Shopping 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.