Grapefruit are known for their intense aroma and sharp flavor. It’s hard for me to believe that these jumbo-sized treasures of winter and early spring are not loved by all – because they are definitely one of my favorite seasonal fruits! It’s my guess that these people who say grapefruit are “bitter” or “messy” just don’t know the right tricks of picking out and dealing with grapefruit.
So, let’s start with the picking — to select the most gloriously ripe grapefruit, the skin will range in color from yellow to rosy pink depending on the variety and all types will feel heavy for their perceived size. Grapefruit do not further ripen after being plucked from the tree, so there’s no leaving a grapefruit on the counter to “get ready” – just dig in! If you feel like grapefruits are messy or hard to extract the segments without breaking them up, check out the photo tutorial I put together on how easy it is peel and cut up grapefruit.
I’m also sharing below five of my favorite (and unexpected) ways to enjoy grapefruit that will hopefully convert everyone into fans of the nutritious and delicious fruit!
Creamy Grapefruit Green Tea Smoothie: Get your morning off to a great start with this creamy grapefruit smoothie – the green tea and protein powder will keep your motor running until lunch! Recipe at bottom of post.
Grapefruit Water: Another way to enjoy the pleasant “bite” of grapefruit flavor without actually taking a bite is to add a few slices to your water – the bonus is that it will encourage you drink more water and meet (or exceed) your daily hydration needs! You can also infuse with herbs as desired – I used mint!
Broiled Grapefruit: End your meal with the zing of citrus, broiled grapefruit makes a light dessert option that won’t undo a clean eating diet. Sprinkle a little sugar on top (plus whatever herbs or spices you like) and caramelize under the broiler for about 3 – 4 minutes.This Salted Honey and Ginger Broiled Grapefruit is made by drizzling about 2 teaspoons honey on 1/2 grapefruit and then sprinkling with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon dried mint — I always use the Instantly Fresh herbs from Litehouse Foods for convenience.
Grapefruit, Avocado and Feta Salad: Another dish so easy-breezy that you don’t really even need a recipe. Simply segment grapefruit (use my directions here) and toss with diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese, herbs or jalapeno peppers if you dare! One of the perk of this dish is that the citric acid in the grapefruit helps to keep the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown – just make sure you “dress” the salad with any remaining juice squeezed from the skin; toss salad gently.
Pink Grapefruit Sorbet – Doesn’t this frozen confection from CookingLight.com look refreshing?! Use as fancy-schmancy palate cleanser between courses or scoop up in frosty bowls. You can even pack this recipe in to pop molds and freeze for pure citrus sunshine on a stick.
What is your favorite way to eat grapefruit?
- 1/2 large grapefruit
- 1/2 cup green tea
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 - 2 packets stevia if desired
- ice as needed
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
-
Use serrated spoon to remove flesh from ½ of grapefruit, add to blender. Squeeze any remaining juice from grapefruit shell into blender. Add green tea, milk banana, and protein powder to blender; blend until smooth. Add ice, as needed, until desired consistency achieved. Garnish with hulled hemp seeds.
I love grapefruit and I love these ideas. I’ve always wanted to try broiled grapefruit. Looks so good!
Thanks Christine! Try the broiled grapefruit!!!!
I love grapefruit! I just tried boiled grapefruit a few years ago. Life changer! The flavor is just intensified. I had an amazing grapefruit mimosa over the weekend. Obviously that was so good!
Grapefruit mimosa . . . .. yummy!
Here it is ALWAYS peeled like an orange!
I am no good at that!
i like grapefruit – especially broiled!
Broiled grapefruit is the best!
I love grapefruit just plain, but I’m trying the smoothie this am!
Hope this smoothie gets your week off to an awesome start!
These all look sooooo good Jennifer!! I love grapefruit, it’s my fav bedtime snack. 🙂
I actually used to HATE grapefruit lol, I hated the taste, it was so bitter for me, but then I grew to enjoy it. I have seen a lot of people recommend broiling it…it seems weird to me but perhaps I’ll have to try it out and see what it tastes like!
you really should try it, definitely a taste sensation!
I love anything grapefruit! I can’t eat toouch because I think it messes woty thyroid medication, but my mouth waters when I see a pink ruby red! Texas ruby red’s are the best!
We do have some really good grapefruit in Texas!
Yum totally all about the broiled grapefruit, I had it once at a cafe two years ago and have been hooked ever since 🙂 Thank you for sharing xo C
I really like to have the unexpected flavors on top too — like salt, or cayenne pepper or feta cheese!
yum, yum, and yum! Grapefruit broiled is delicious but I am going to have to try that smoothie soon!
Thanks Elizabeth!
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