The grapefruit is beginning to gain popularity in Russia. It is an exotic fruit that does not grow in the central belt. It is now often found on store shelves, but most people treat it with caution. Although, in fact, it contains many vitamins, useful trace elements and has unique properties. Many people simply do not know what are the benefits of grapefruit and how to eat it correctly.
What is the grapefruit: description of the fruit and its flavor
The grapefruit is a citrus. It grows in trees and takes about six months to mature. It has thick green, yellow or orange skin. The pulp is juicy and its color varies from red to red. The grapefruit can weigh up to 10 kg. This weight is much higher than other citrus.
Important: Pomelo is not a selection product. In fact, it is the basis of some fruit hybrids.
The grapefruit has a pleasant and little marked taste. It looks like grapefruit, but it is sweeter and more delicate than other citrus. The white variety is considered the sweetest, while pink pulp is more acidic. The fruit is incredibly juicy. It is very popular in southern countries and in the East.
Chemical composition of the grapefruit
The base of the fruit is water. It is composed of 85-90% water. This exotic fruit is rich in fiber, pectins, many important enzymes and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also contains
- essential oils;
- Group B vitamins;
- Vitamins A, E and C;
- ascorbic acid;
- food fibers.
Nutritional value and calories
One hundred grams of grapefruit contain only about 0. 2 g of fat, 6 g of carbohydrates, 0. 5 g of proteins and between 29-32 kcal, according to the variety. Nutritionists recommend including grapefruit in the diet of people with weight problems. Because of its low energy value, it is part of many diets. It helps to get rid of the extra kilos and is considered an excellent light snack. With your aid, you can reduce the caloric value of some salads.
Benefits
Pomelus is good for anemia. Due to its high vitamin C content, it is able to enhance the action of iron preparations and reinforce the immune system in general. It contains 10% of the daily dose of potassium per hundred grams, which is very good for the heart and blood pressure. Its regular consumption reduces the risk of heart disease and increases the elasticity of vascular walls. It is a good hypertension prevention, strokes and myocardial infarction.
This fruit has a high content of vitamins A and E, which contribute to improving skin health. These substances help the organism produce collagen, which gives the dermis firmness and delays ag e-related changes.
The grapefruit is effective in decomposing food, since it is quite rich in fiber. Improves digestion and helps eliminate feeling heaviness in the stomach. Experts recommend eating slices of this fruit after each meal. This helps eliminate harmful substances from the organism.
Studies have shown that the inclusion of grapefruit in diet helps prevent cancer. The beneficial substances it contains are effective in preventing the appearance and growth of cancer. Its high calcium content favors hair and nail health. It helps deal with fragility, loss of brightness and strength. It is also good for teeth and gums. They become stronger, less susceptible to diseases and bleeding.
For women
This citrus is useful during pregnancy. It contains folic acid, important for the first months of fetus development. Participate in the formation of the baby’s fabrics and the surrounding placenta.
Pomelus can help women normalize their estrogen levels. In the shell there are elements that have a positive effect on the hormonal background and the frequency of humor changes in weak sex.
For men
The grapefruit contains effective substances against poisoning symptoms. Therefore, it helps to cope with the hangover and improves the general state of health after ethyl poisoning.
This fruit is considered a potent aphrodisiac in the East. Its beneficial effects on the intimate sphere are due to the presence of vitamin C, which improves blood flow to pelvic organs.
Possible damage and contraindications
This undoubtedly useful product cannot be consumed throughout the world. It is contraindicated for allergic people to citrus. Nor can those suffering from gastrointestinal tract diseases, such as ulcers, colitis or gastritis. The grapefruit is not recommended to young mothers during the breastfeeding period. It can cause allergies in the baby. For the same reason, children under one year should not be given.
How to choose the right grapefruit?
To make the most of a grapefruit and enjoy its taste, you have to choose it well. Pay attention to the color of the cortex. It must be smooth and uniform, without signs of damage or deterioration. The ripe fruit gives off a pleasant citrus aroma when smelling it. The fruit weight determines the amount of pulp it contains. The heavier the fruit is, the more pulp. The maturation period goes from January to February. So the best time to buy them is in winter and early spring.
fact! If a grapefruit is not mature enough, you can put it a few days in the refrigerator. It should be able to mature without problems.
How do you peel a grapefruit?
Peeling a grapefruit is relatively easy. Despite its considerable size, it is easier to peel than most usual citrus.
To start, you have to cut the skin from the top with a knife. Once this is done, you can simply remove with your hand. The grapefruit is easily peeled. The main thing is to be careful not to damage the pulp.
There is another way to do it. You can use a knife to make shallow strips that divide the fruit into slices, or cut at angle, following the beginning of the spiral. Then, carefully remove the skin. Thus it will be easier to remove it. When working with a knife, it is important to be careful not to press too strong.
If it is difficult to separate the skin from the fruit, it is very likely that it is not yet mature. In this case, do not try to peel the entire grapefruit, since it can be little tasty. Better wrap it in transparent film and let it mature in the refrigerator for about 2 or 3 days. Then it is much easier to remove the skin.
The best way to eat a grapefruit
Once you have removed your skin completely, you can enjoy the taste of this exotic fruit. You have to remove the membranes from the slices before eating the melon. They are quite hard and are not suitable for eating. You can use a small knife to remove them. It is easy to cut the membrane and separate it from the pulp. In addition, each slice of grapefruit has between 5 and 10 pepitas. You also have to remove them before eating it.
Once everything else is peeled and removed, you can already enjoy the taste of this exotic fruit. You can eat it simply in slices, like all citrus, or add it to different dishes.
Grapefruit as an independent product
This beautiful fruit can be consumed as an independent product. It is good for the organism and low in calories. That is why it is included in many diets. It can also be consumed as snack between meals. You can consume it as a snack between meals.
This will help him to cope with a slight feeling of hunger and not get fat. It is also useful to eat it after eating. 2-3 slices are enough to get rid of stomach heaviness and digestive problems. The pure shape of the grapefruit is eaten like any other known citrus. It can be cut into slices or slices and taste it for its pleasant exotic flavor.
Fruit Macedonia with grapefruit
The grapefruit combines well with many other foods. That is why it is often used in various dishes. They are especially suitable for Macedonia and give it a fresh and unique flavor.
To prepare the Macedonia you will need
- half grapefruit;
- a tangerine
- a pear
- two kiwis;
- Navigated yogurt for dressing.
Peel all fruits. Remove the sepals to the grapefruit and cut it into pieces the size of a bite. Cut the Kiwi into fine slices, dice pear and tangerine in segments.
Once all the ingredients have been prepared, place the kiwi at the bottom of the bowl and pour the yogurt on top. The next layer is mandarin, then pear and grapefruit slices. Cover each layer with yogurt. Sprinkle nuts above if desired.
Pomelo and smoked chicken salad
This is a very tasty and original salad that will surely surprise its guests. It is easy to prepare and consists of few ingredients.
The ingredients are:
- medium grapefruit
- 300 to 400 grams of smoked chicken fillet;
- 50 grams of ground nuts;
- lettuce;
- A little mayonnaise or butter.
Cut the chicken fillet into medium dice. Peel the grapefruit, remove the membranes from the slices and divide it into pieces. Tear the lettuce with your hands. Mix all the ingredients, dress with oil or mayonnaise if desired and mix well. Cover the salad with ground nuts.
Salad with grapefruit and prawns
This exotic food combines well with seafood and highlights its flavor. The prawns and grapefruit salad is a good example.
- 300 grams of frozen prawns
- a grapefruit;
- 200-300 grams of Col of Beijing;
- The juice of half a lemon;
- 3 eggs;
- tablespoon of olive oil
- teaspoon of honey;
- salt to taste.
Boil and peel the prawns. Remove grapefruit slices and cut into several pieces. Boil the eggs and cut them into dice. Chop or crumble Chinese cabbage leaves. The ingredients are mixed and seasoned with salt and condiments. For dressing, combining honey, olive oil and lemon juice and mixing well with a spoon.
How and where to keep the grapefruits at home?
The grapefruit can be preserved at home in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Each conservation method has its peculiarities.
When you keep it in the refrigerator, keep in mind that grapefruit is a southern fruit and is absolutely contraindicated at temperatures below zero. If you freeze it, you will lose your flavor and spoil. The most appropriate temperature is between zero and 7 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, the fruit can be kept for four months. The peeled fruit cannot be kept in the refrigerator for more than 3-5 days. And should always be wrapped in transparent film.
The useful life of a fruit at room temperature is up to two months. This is due to the thick skin, which protects the pulp from external influences. The fruit must be kept in the shadow and away from direct sunlight. Also make sure you are well ventilated. The lack of air will make the fruit spoil. Do not leave any other fruit near. You can also apply a small amount of oil to the cortex to prevent it from drying out.
The grapefruit is a unique and exotic fruit that should not be missing in its diet. Its benefits are undeniable. Keeps the skin, hair and healthy nails. It also prevents heart disease, helps combat anemia and improves the body. Due to its low caloric content, it will be useful for losing weight.
The fruit has a brilliant exotic flavor. It combines well with other fruits, seafood and meat. It is added to many salads to give them novelty and freshness. On its own, it is perfect as snack or dessert. It is worth trying at least once.
