Grapefruit: the basics

A subtropical citrus fruit, grapefruit requires relatively warm and well-watered conditions. In South Africa, it is grown mostly in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and the bulk of the fruit is exported.

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Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) can be Leaten as a breakfast fruit, used in salads, or processed into tarts, jelly, marmalade, vinegar and soft drinks.

The plant, a hybrid originating in the Caribbean, is a cross between the sweet orange (C. sinensis) and the pomelo (C. maxima). Grapefruit is a major crop in a number of countries, including South Africa.

Star Ruby, with its red flesh and combination of sweet and tart flavours, is today the leading grapefruit variety grown in this country. Marsh is also produced in quantity.

Grapefruit grows well in a warm, subtropical climate. Differences in temperature affect the length of time from flowering to maturity.

Humid conditions tend to result in a thinner peel, while an arid climate and low winter temperatures produce a thicker, rougher peel and lower juice content. Evenly distributed rainfall of between 920mm and 1 120mm is ideal.