Harvest of the Month: Grapefruit
Thirsty? Try a grapefruit! While this fruit is well known for its bitter taste, it’s 92% water, which makes it a great choice for hydration. It also impacts your overall cholesterol by helping lower LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. While all grapefruit have the same basic health benefits, bright red and pink ones have higher levels of antioxidants, specifically beta carotene and lycopene. As a word of caution, however, remember that grapefruit should be avoided while using allergy medicines, such as Claritin or Allegra, as it can have negative interactions with these kinds of drugs.
How to Select
Grapefruit should be evenly shaped, bright in color, and without any soft spots. The heavier the fruit, the more indication of how juicy it will be. You can use your nail to slightly scratch the surface of the skin, and if you can smell a bright, citrusy aroma, the grapefruit will be at its peak flavor.
How to Store
Grapefruit can be stored at room temperature, but keeping them in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer will help them stay ripe for a longer period of time.
How to Prepare
Cut into a grapefruit the same way you would any citrus fruit and enjoy as is, or by juicing.
Try this recipe for a Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries!
Tags: grapefruit, healthy recipe, recipe