Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
Grapefruit is usually in season in Australia from April to October with the peak time during Winter months. Thought to be native to Barbados and related to the pomelo from Asia, grapefruit suits growing conditions in Australia well.
There are three main varieties – white, ruby and pink – and in season ripe grapefruit can be almost as sweet as an orange with the varieties with deep red flesh being the sweetest.
To pick a good grapefruit, look for ones that are heavy for their size, have smooth skin and a uniform colour – avoid green spots. A heavy grapefruit is usually more juicy and indicates better quality, make sure to avoid fruit with soft spots, or thick, wrinkled skin.
To store grapefruit, keep whole unwrapped fruit on the counter away from direct sunlight for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. To prolong storage, keep grapefruit in a plastic bag or mesh bag in the crisper drawer.
Allow air circulation by not stacking them in a bowl, also avoid areas with high humidity as this can lead to mould growth. Wash and dry the fruit before storing to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage.
Grapefruit can be frozen whole or in wedges, slices, juice or zest. Before freezing, wash and dry the fruit and remove as much peel and white pith as possible for optimal flavour and texture.
Offering various health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile, grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function. It also contains fibre, which can aid in weight management, heart and gut health.
Additionally, it is a source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may help protect against certain diseases.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season grapefruit on the table this week:
This blackened salmon with grapefruit salad makes for an easy weeknight meal when you’re tight on time. Light, fresh and full of flavour, it's guaranteed to be a winner!
Served with a fresh grapefruit salad, these pork cutlets combine savoury with citrus sweet to make the ultimate meal. Just 30 minutes from kitchen to table, there is a dinner delight that takes no time to make and even less to eat!
Topped with a zingy grapefruit granita, this panna cotta recipe is hard to beat. The yoghurt makes it extra creamy and adds the perfect amount of tang, making it perfect for weeknight dessert.
