How to Choose a Good Grapefruit

If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle wondering how to choose a grapefruit, you’re not alone. The right pick isn't just juicier and sweeter, it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients that support your body from the inside out.

But not all grapefruits are created equal. Some are plumper, tastier, and better for juicing or snacking than others. Keep reading to learn how to choose a good grapefruit every time, and why our Texas Rio red grapefruit stands out from other citrus fruits.

Key Takeaways

A ripe grapefruit should feel heavy, have smooth but firm skin, and show a deep red or golden peel with few soft spots.
Red grapefruit is the sweetest and most flavorful, while pink is mildly tart, and white grapefruit is the most sour.
For the best grapefruit juice and fresh eating, Texas Rio red grapefruit offers top-notch taste, color, and natural vitamin C.
Always choose fresh grapefruit that feels plump and juicy; they’re perfect for snacks, salads, drinks, and boosting your immune system!

How to Pick a Ripe Grapefruit

A hybrid of a pomelo and sweet orange, the grapefruit is a delicious fruit packed with flavor and nutrients. Still, it can be hard to know when they’re ripe if you don’t know what to look for.

When you're trying to pick a red grapefruit, you should check the color, shape, and texture. These signs will help you choose a ripe red grapefruit that’s full of flavor and great for juice, snacks, or even fish tacos!

1. Check the Peel Color

A ripe red grapefruit usually has a rosy or gold color on the outside. Some green patches might still be visible, and that’s okay; it can still be sweet inside. But the redder the peel, the sweeter the taste. Bright skin means more flavor and a higher sugar content, which is great for making a refreshing drink or enjoying it as a fresh fruit.

2. Feel the Shape and Weight

For most grapefruit, a good fruit should be perfectly round or just a bit oval-like. Try to look for heavier ones; it means they’re full of juice! Grapefruits that feel light might be dry inside. If it feels heavier than it looks, that's a good sign it's ripe and ready to eat!

3. Check the Skin

Use your hands to check the skin. A grapefruit with a firm skin and a smooth feel is what you want. But hold up! Keep in mind that scarring on the fruit is often a sign of sweetness; don’t let it turn you away from a perfectly tasty fruit!

Some minor bumps are okay; that’s just how citrus fruits are, but stay away from any that have soft spots or mushy areas. If the grapefruit feels firm, it’s fresh and likely picked at the right time.

Which Type of Grapefruit Is Best?

Knowing how to choose a grapefruit is about more than just ripeness. The type of grapefruit you pick also makes a big difference in taste, juice, and sweetness. Some are more tart, while others are naturally sweeter and better for your immune system or a healthy heart. Let’s look into the types of grapefruit you can consider:

Red Grapefruit — Red grapefruit is the top pick if you want a bold taste and bright color. Its juice is naturally sweet and rich in vitamins C and A. It’s great for making a refreshing grapefruit drink or adding to recipes like fish tacos and salads. Common red grapefruits include Texas Rio reds, ruby reds, and star rubies.
Pink Grapefruit — Pink grapefruit has a soft pink peel and juicy flesh with a nice mix of sweet and tart. It’s less bold than red, but still tasty and full of vitamin C. It’s a great second option if you want something lighter for breakfast or as a snack. A few common pink varieties include the Foster Pink Grapefruit and the Pink Marsh.
White Grapefruit — This is the most tart and bitter of the group. While it still packs vitamins and juice, it’s mostly used in recipes that need a sharper taste, like cocktails or certain citrus fruit marinades. Some white grapefruits include oro blanco grapefruits and Duncan grapefruits.

Which Red Grapefruit Is Best?

Among red grapefruits, the best of the best is the Texas Rio red grapefruit from Winter Sweetz. These grapefruits grow with the perfect sugar content and flavor, making them the go-to for the best grapefruit juice, or if you prefer to eat it raw. Our fruits get their goodness from the rich soil and temperate weather here in South Texas. Whether you want to combine it with lime juice and tequila for a refreshing paloma or combine it with your favorite meat and spices for a tangy main course, you can’t go wrong with Rio red grapefruit!

Pick Grapefruit From Winter Sweetz for the Freshest, Juiciest Flavor!

From oranges and grapefruit to lemons and limes, choosing a ripe citrus fruit can be tricky! But with the right tips and choices, you can choose a great fruit every time!

When it comes to flavor, color, and sweetness, Texas Rio red grapefruits stand out as the finest grapefruits money can buy! Knowing how to choose a good grapefruit will help you get the best pick for a taste you’ll never forget. Whether you want to use your grapefruit as the perfect tangy twist for an avocado salad or grilled chicken, or you’re blending it with bananas for a scrumptious smoothie, Texas Rio red grapefruit is the best grapefruit you can get!

You can get your own box of tasty grapefruit fresh and straight from the source, Winter Sweetz! While we’re currently out of season, the next batch of juicy goodness is just around the corner. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when we’re back. Your next citrus craving will thank you!

Your cart is empty

Your cart

Estimated total