Harvest of the Month: Grapefruit
Citrus fruits are often at their peak in the winter months. Grapefruit offers plenty of health benefits that make them worth adding to your normal fruit rotation. They are a cross between an orange and a pomelo and are 92% water, which gives them one of the highest water content of any fruit. Adding them to your diet can help you reach your daily water intake goals since about 20% of our daily fluid intake comes from food. Grapefruit are low in calories but full of nutrients, like vitamins A and C. They can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Grapefruit can be white, yellow, pink, or deep red in color. While they are all packed with vitamins, the red and pink varieties have extra antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
How to Select
Choose grapefruit that have reached their peak ripeness. Avoid those with signs of bruising and look for those that are heavy for their size. They will have the most juice.
How to Store
Store grapefruit in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks. However, they have the best flavor when stored at room temperature. Leave them on the counter if you plan to eat them within a week.
How to Prepare
Cut the grapefruit in half, then use a serrated knife to separate the skin from the flesh and to separate the segments. You may also peel and separate the segments as you would an orange.
Try grapefruit in a Pink Grapefruit Chicken Saute with this recipe.
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