Grapefruits vs. Pomelos: 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 and have some major differences when it comes to size, flavor, and even their origins.

Grapefruit (citrus paradisi) is known for its sharp, tangy taste, while pomelo (citrus maxima) offers a milder, slightly sweeter experience. To learn more about the difference between grapefruit and pomelo, keep reading.

Spotting the Difference: Grapefruit vs. Pomelos

At first glance, grapefruit and pomelo might seem similar. However, upon closer inspection, they are quite different. Below are some key differences between both citrus fruits:

• Size – Grapefruits are big, but pomelos are larger. In fact, out of all the citrus fruits, pomelo is the largest. Although, once it’s peeled, it is about the same size as a grapefruit.
• Shape – A grapefruit is rounder in shape, whereas pomelos tend to be more pear- or teardrop-shaped.
• Color – Pomelos typically have pale yellowish-green skin with fairly pink or red flesh, while grapefruits have yellow-orange skin with distinctively ruby red or pink flesh.
• Density – Grapefruits hold more moisture and are juicier than pomelos.

Comparing Taste and Texture

When comparing the taste and texture of grapefruit and pomelo, you begin to see how they differ from each other. Grapefruits tend to taste more tangy and slightly bitter. However, pomelos have a sweeter and milder taste. 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 thick rind, more white pith, and firmer, less juicy flesh, while grapefruits have softer, juicier flesh.

Grapefruit vs. Pomelos: Nutrition

Grapefruit and pomelos are both healthy fruits, but they have some differences in the nutrients they provide. Below are the nutrients contained in each of these citrus fruits:

• Carbs– Grapefruits contain more carbs than pomelos. For example, a 100g of pomelo contains 1g of dietary fiber while grapefruit contains 1.6g in the same weight.
• Protein– Less than 1g of protein is available in both grapefruits and pomelos.
• Mineral– Pomelos have a higher zinc, potassium, and copper content while grapefruits are rich in magnesium and calcium.
• Fiber – Both grapefruits and pomelos are packed with fiber, making them great for heart health.
• Vitamins– Grapefruits have more vitamin A and B-complex vitamins while pomelos contain more vitamin C content than grapefruit.
• Fats– Both pomelo and grapefruit contain little to no cholesterol.

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Thanks to their high vitamin and nutrient content, both pomelos and grapefruit are great for colds. We recommend adding grapefruit juice or pomelo juice to tea for the best cold-fighting results.

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. Unlike pomelos, most grapefruits ripen from the fall through the spring. In Texas, the grapefruit season lasts from October to April. Pomelos, on the other hand, are just a bit more seasonal. You'll typically find them from late October through February, but they're more readily available in late November.

The History of Grapefruits and Pomelos

Here’s a fun fact about grapefruit and pomelo: without pomelos, grapefruits wouldn’t exist! Grapefruit is actually a natural hybrid that’s created by crossing a sweet orange with a pomelo. Pomelos, meanwhile, are among the oldest citrus fruits and are native to Southeast Asia.

Buy Your Own Fresh Texas Rio Red Grapefruits Online!

Are you looking for the ultimate citrus experience? When comparing grapefruit and pomelos, Texas Rio Red grapefruits stand out above the rest! Our tangy and nutritious fruits have more sweetness and more juice than any other grapefruits!

Whether you want them for snacking, breakfast, or your special recipes, fresh Texas Rio red grapefruit is the perfect choice. To enjoy the convenience of having hand-selected fruit, buy fresh Texas Rio red grapefruit online from Winter Sweetz.

If you want the best grapefruit for your recipe or breakfast, buy fresh Texas Rio red grapefruit from Winter Sweetz.

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