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 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 or Citrus grandis) offers a milder, slightly sweeter experience. To learn more about the difference between grapefruit and pomelo, keep reading.
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:
- 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 – 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.
- 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 even more. 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 very 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.
- Minerals – 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.
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 add to a healthy diet and excercise to achieve weight loss goals.
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, with peak ripeness in the winter months. 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. 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 now still primarily eaten in Southeast Asia and China.
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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.