Ever wonder why grapefruits are called “grapefruits”, when they taste nor look nothing like grapes? I mean, they aren’t even the same color as grapes. Well, as it turns out, the grapefruit got its name because of the way it grows in clusters on trees, similar to the way grapes grow on vines. Who knew?

There’s speculation that the grapefruit was called a shaddock until the 19^th century because the fruit was first bred in Jamaica by a“Captain Shaddock”. This is all heresy of course.

How it really came to fruition is actually much more scientific: the fruit is a naturally occurring hybrid between the Indonesian pomelo seed and a Jamaican sweet orange. Yes, that definitely makes more sense.

Did you know that the RGV is a thriving and robust area for citrus fruit, especially grapefruits, because of all the sun and tropical climate the region offers? We have been blessed with the amazing weather and the delicious aroma of grapefruit that permeates the air. How lucky are we?

Being that there is a huge “foodie” trend right now in America regarding, with many of us posting photos of our food and drinks, don’t you think knowing a little bit about what we are consuming can be beneficial? For example, if you are drinking some grapefruit juice or eating a piece of delicious grapefruit pie, you can add hashtags to your social media posts to sweeten things up. Including hashtags like #shaddock, #hybridfruit, or #grapefruit to your posts will get the likes and comments rolling in.

We all like to be clever in our posts, and obviously, the more you know the better you can make them. Want to learn some fun facts about grapefruits that you can use to make some clever foodie posts?

Let’s take an entertaining look into what grapefruits are all about:

• The grapefruit was once known as the “forbidden fruit”, so as you are consuming one, just know that you are being a #rebel.
• Grapefruits are made to use jam in Haiti, but are primarily known for their juice.
• Body fat is reduced in some people when caffeine is mixed with antioxidants found in the berry family fruits – which include grapefruits. #losingweight
• You can get 60% of your daily value of Vitamin C just by eating ½ of grapefruit.
• The official state fruit of Texas is the Texas Red Grapefruit and was designated in 1993. #Texasrules
• McAllen is where the chance mutation that would come to be the Ruby Red Grapefruit was first discovered in 1929. #mcallenrules #rgv
• From 2015 to 2016, grapefruit value of production was up 16% in the USA.
• When picking out grapefruits, keep in mind they should be firm, yet slightly springy to the touch.
• If kept at room temperature, grapefruits should have a subtle, sweet aroma. If left in a refrigerator the smell will dissipate.
• When preparing a grapefruit, rinse it under cool water. Your cutting knife can accidently transfer dirt or bacteria that resides on surface. #food #safety
• Be careful – grapefruits can interact with certain drugs and make them more potent.
• Grapefruits can come in different colors such as red, pink, white and golden. #grapefruit #varieties
• Flame Grapefruits are a real thing. Put the Flaming Hot Cheetos down and munch on something more nutritious.
• Donald Wernecke, a descendent of Valley citrus pioneers, remembers hearing family stories about how the discovery of the “Ruby Red” led to the collapse of demand and farming for the white varieties. The appeal of the Ruby Red and other red varieties was so great that white varieties “literally fell off the wagon”.
• Valley farmers have been so committed to the quality and presentation of their grapefruits that the fruit is not harvested on rainy days just to prevent fingerprint acid from staining the skin.

Be a rebel and eat the “forbidden fruit” today. #grapefruit #rgv #rebel Click To Tweet

Now that you know a little more about the delectable grapefruit, let’s take a look at a few ways to prepare these deliciously sweet and tangy fruits.

Grapefruit and Salmon Salad (serves 2)

2 – 6 oz filet of salmon

1 grapefruit

3 cups mixed green

⅓ cup pistachio

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp red wine vinegar

To prepare heat pan to medium, season salmon with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper and grill about 5-6 minutes per side, until opaque throughout, and let cool. Next, cut out segments of grapefruit and add to medium sized bowl. Add the mixed greens, pistachio, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and gently toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Finally, plate the salad and top with salmon. My mouth is watering just thinking of this dish! #homemade #grapefruit #salmon #salad

Grapefruitade

½ cup agave

¾ cup water

4-5 cups fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice, strained

2 cups sparkling water

Mix the agave and water in a pan, bring to a boil, stir and remove from heat. Next, combine the grapefruit juice and agave syrup in a pitcher. Add sparkling water and pour into an ice filled glass.

And if you’re looking for some delicious grapefruit pie, then consider visiting:

• Lone Star BBQ, 2224 E. Business Highway 83, Mission, TX 78572
• Yummies Bistro, 700 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597 (sold on a first come, first served basis, with supply usually sold out by noon).

Now that you have learned a bit more about grapefruits, hurry to your local check RGV markets for the freshest you can find.