Pomelo vs. Grapefruit: What's the Difference?
Have you ever looked at a pomelo and grapefruit and thought, “Aren’t these basically the same fruit?” Well, not quite! While they’re both citrus fruits and share a lot in common, they are separate species with major differences in size, flavor, and even origin.
From pomelo fans and grapefruit enjoyers to people who’ve never tried either fruit, learning about the differences might just help you find your new favorite citrus treat! Keep reading to learn more about the difference between grapefruit and pomelo.
Key Takeaways
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Pomelos are larger than grapefruit, with a more pear-like shape, yellow skin, and less juice than grapefruit proportionally.
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Grapefruit tend to be tangy with more bitter varieties, while pomelos are known for milder flavors.
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Both grapefruits and pomelos are packed with minerals, fiber, and vitamins, with grapefruit coming out on top when it comes to magnesium, calcium, and vitamin A.
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Grapefruit is a hybrid of pomelos and sweet oranges originating in the Caribbean, while pomelos are non-hybrid fruits native to Southeast Asia.
Spotting the Difference Between These Citrus Fruits
At first glance, grapefruit and pomelo might seem similar, and these two fruits do have many similarities. However, upon closer inspection, they are quite different. If you saw a fresh pomelo and grapefruit side by side, you probably wouldn’t have a hard time telling them apart. Below are some key differences between both citrus fruits:
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Size – Grapefruits are big, but pomelos are larger. In fact, out of all the citrus fruits, pomelos are the largest, ranging from about the size of an extra-large grapefruit up to basketball-sized.
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Shape – Grapefruits are usually round, whereas pomelos are generally shaped more like teardrops or pears. This is one of the most noticeable differences in their appearance.
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Color – Pomelos generally have pale yellowish-green skin with fairly pink or red flesh, while grapefruits have yellow-orange skin with distinctively ruby red or pink flesh.
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Density – Grapefruits hold more moisture and are juicier than pomelos, and pomelos tend to have thick skin.
Comparing Taste and Texture
When comparing the taste and texture of grapefruit and pomelo, you begin to see how they differ from each other even more.
Grapefruits are known for their unique flavors, with more tangy and slightly bitter notes. There are many richly flavored varieties of grapefruit, each with its own distinct characteristics. Our Texas Rio red grapefruit are noticeably sweeter, serving as a cold-weather staple here in the Lone Star State.
On the other hand, pomelos have more subtle flavor overtones, tending to be less bitter and also sweeter than grapefruit. This makes the pale yellow fruit a great choice for anyone who prefers a more subtle citrus flavor, while grapefruit is ideal if you’re looking for a burst of tangy flavor.
In terms of texture, pomelos have a very thick rind, more white pith, and firmer, less juicy flesh, while grapefruits have softer, juicier flesh. This can give pomelos more of a chewy consistency.
Grapefruit vs. Pomelos: Nutrition
Grapefruit and pomelos are both healthy fruits, but they have some differences in the nutrients they provide. Keep in mind that these differences can vary depending on the relative size and variety of the fruits. Below, you can learn more about the nutrients contained in each of these citrus fruits:
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Carbs – Grapefruits contain more carbs than pomelos. For example, 100 g of pomelo contains 1g of dietary fiber, while grapefruit contains 1.6g in the same weight.
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Calories – Both pomelos and grapefruit are known to be low in calories, with their high water content helping promote feelings of fullness.
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Protein – Less than 1g of protein is available in both grapefruits and pomelos.
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Minerals – Pomelos have a higher zinc, potassium, and copper content, while grapefruits are rich in magnesium and calcium.
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Fiber – Both grapefruits and pomelos are packed with fiber, making them great for heart health and digestion.
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Vitamins – Grapefruits have more vitamin A, lycopene, and B-complex vitamins, while pomelos contain more vitamin C than grapefruit.
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Fats – Both pomelo and grapefruit contain little to no cholesterol.
Thanks to their high vitamin and nutrient content, both pomelos and grapefruit are great for colds and weight loss. We recommend adding grapefruit juice or pomelo juice to tea for the best cold-fighting results, or adding to a healthy diet and exercise to achieve weight loss goals.
However, keep in mind that both grapefruits and pomelos can interact with certain medications. If you are on medications, you should consult with your prescribing doctor before adding either fruit as a regular part of your diet.
Grapefruit Trees vs. Pomelo Trees
Grapefruit trees and pomelo trees are both members of the citrus family, but they differ in appearance and cultivation.
Grapefruit trees grow best in tropical and subtropical climates. They tend to grow well in loamy soil, which is a mix of sand, silt, and clay that drains water easily but also holds enough moisture for the tree. Grapefruit trees are medium-sized with a rounded canopy and dark green leaves. For successful grapefruit cultivation, they need to be watered frequently, especially during the dry season. They also need to be pruned to increase sunlight penetration.
On the other hand, pomelo trees grow better in warm, humid environments and need deep watering to support their more extensive root systems. The trees can tolerate slightly less fertile soils than grapefruit trees.
When Are Grapefruits and Pomelos in Season?
The difference between grapefruit and pomelo trees continues when we look at their growth seasons. While both are seasonal produce, grapefruits are available for more of the year. Unlike pomelos, most grapefruits ripen and are available from the fall through the spring. In Texas specifically, the grapefruit season lasts from October to April, with peak ripeness in the winter months.
Pomelos, on the other hand, are just a bit more seasonal, with a more restricted growing period. You'll typically find these large citrus fruits available in select stores from late October through February, but they're more readily available in late November. Like many other citrus fruits, both pomelos and grapefruit are more typically winter products.
The History of Pomelos and Grapefruit
Here’s a fun fact about grapefruit and pomelo: without pomelos, grapefruits wouldn’t exist! Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is actually a natural hybrid between a sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis) and a pomelo (Citrus maxima). First cultivated in Barbados in the 1700s, the fruit got its name because the clusters of fruit on grapefruit trees resemble grapes. Other famous citrus hybrid fruits include lemons and tangerines. White grapefruit and pomelos have even been crossed again to create the hybrid oro blanco.
On the other hand, pomelos are a non-hybrid citrus fruit and are among the oldest citrus fruits in the world. Pomelos originated in Southeast Asia and are still primarily eaten in Southeast Asia and China.
Buy Your Own Fresh Texas Rio Red Grapefruits Online!
Are you looking for the ultimate citrus experience? When comparing pomelos vs. grapefruits, Texas Rio Red grapefruits stand out above the rest! Our tangy and nutritious fruits have more sweetness and more juice than any other grapefruits! Known for their sweet flavor, Texas Rio red grapefruit are perfect plain as well as in salads, smoothies, entrees, and more!
Whether you want them for snacking, breakfast, or your favorite recipes, fresh Texas Rio reds are the most delicious grapefruit variety that you’ll find. To enjoy the convenience of having hand-selected fruit, buy fresh Texas Rio red grapefruit online from Winter Sweetz. While our grapefruit are out of season right now, you can sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when our upcoming season starts.