Grapefruit

Cyprus grapefruit are medium to large in size, averaging 10-15 centimeters in diameter, and are round to oblate in shape. The peel is smooth, firm, and semi-glossy with many prominent lenticels, and has a yellow-orange hue with a pink blush. Underneath the peel, there is a bitter, white layer with a dry, spongy consistency connected to the flesh, and the flesh is divided into 11-14 segments by thin membranes. The dark red flesh is soft, aqueous, and contains a few too many cream-colored seeds. Cyprus grapefruits are tender and juicy with a sweet-tart, mildly acidic flavor.

Seasons/Availability

Cyprus grapefruits are available in the late fall through early summer.

Current Facts

Cyprus grapefruits, botanically classified as Citrus paradise, are large, aromatic fruits that grow on evergreen trees that can reach up to six meters in height and belongs to the Rutaceae family. Cultivated on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean, Cyprus grapefruit is a general descriptor used to encompass many different varieties of grapefruit grown on the island. Cyprus has an ideal climate for citrus, grown on large plantations across the island, and the majority of the fruits are cultivated for export. The name Cyprus grapefruit has become a global mark of quality for sweet, juicy fruits, and these fruits are highly prized in Asian and European markets for fresh eating.

Nutritional Value

Cyprus grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and also contains some potassium, magnesium, and folate.

Applications

Cyprus grapefruits are known for their juicy flesh and are popularly consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The flesh can be segmented and tossed into salads, blended into smoothies, baked into cakes, muffins, and shortbread, served over ice cream, or layered with cooked meats. They can also be juiced and consumed as a sweet-tart beverage, used as a flavoring in cocktails, or cooked into marmalades and jams. Cyprus grapefruits pair well with avocado, blood oranges, kumquats, strawberries, cilantro, tarragon, chamomile, rose water, meats such as poultry, fish, and pork, and spices such as cardamom, cloves, and ginger. The fruits will keep up to one week at room temperature and for 2-4 weeks when stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.