Facts about Grapefruits
Grapefruit was originally named the "forbidden fruit " of Barbados. The fruit has only become popular from the late 19th century; before that it was only grown as an ornamental plant. The grapefruit trees are evergreen and they are usually found at around 5-6 m tall, although they can reach 13-15 m. The 1929 US Ruby Red (of the Redblush variety) has the first grapefruit patent. In Spanish, the fruit is known as toronja or pomelo. The grapefruit is said to be one of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados." The fruit was first documented in 1750 by the Rev. Griffith Hughes describing specimens from Barbados. Grapefruit is an excellent source of many nutrients and phytochemicals. Studies have shown grapefruit helps lower cholesterol. Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C. Grapefruit seed extract has been claimed to be a strong antimicrobial with proven activity against bacteria and fungi. In Costa Rica, especially in Atenas, grapefruits are cooked in a way that removes their sourness, and renders them as sweets, they are also stuffed with dulce de leche, resulting in a dessert called toronja rellena (stuffed grapefruit). The grapefruit seeds have high levels of antioxidant properties. It was brought to Florida by Odette Philippe in 1823. |
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