Citrus fruits: The grapefruit

Grapefruit: the origin of the name

The grapefruit probably originated from a natural cross between the orange and the grapefruit. Its name is derived from its fruit, which hangs from the tree in bunches (grape). Grapefruits are basically divided into two main groups: The yellow fruits have white flesh, while the reddish fruits have rose-coloured flesh. In addition to the high vitamin C content, grapefruits are characterised by numerous other healthy ingredients: antimicrobial substances are effective against bacteria and fungi, pectin lowers cholesterol levels, the vitamin factor naringin promotes digestion, detoxifies and stimulates the metabolism. This is why grapefruit is considered the ultimate diet fruit.

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Another positive, surprising property was only discovered a few years ago: Polish researchers proved that grapefruit seed extracts promote the healing of stomach ulcers. Previously, patients with stomach problems had been advised not to eat citrus fruits as they could irritate the stomach lining.

100 grams of grapefruit contain

• 38 kilocalories
• 89 g water
• 7.7 g carbohydrates
• 0.1 g fat; vitamins: A, C; minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium
• Country of origin: Barbados and Jamaica
• Season: November to May