What Is Pomelo?
Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is the largest fruit in the citrus family and is considered an ancestor of the grapefruit. It has a thick, soft rind and is generally pale green-yellow on the outside.
The flesh beneath the rind resembles grapefruit but is less juicy, crisper, and noticeably less bitter and sour. Its color can range from white to pink; the segments are covered in a thick membrane that is usually peeled away before eating.
Nutritional Values of Pomelo
Pomelo is a low-calorie citrus fruit; 100 grams contains about 38 kcal and 61 mg of vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of potassium and B vitamins.
What Are the Benefits of Pomelo?
With its vitamin C content, pomelo is one of the citrus fruits that can be part of a balanced diet. Because it is low in calories and high in water, it can be enjoyed as a light snack.
This is general information; pomelo is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Interactions between some citrus fruits and medications, especially cholesterol and blood pressure medications, are known; people who take medication regularly are advised to consult their doctor.
How to Choose Pomelo
A heavy pomelo with a firm rind is generally juicier and riper; slight roughness on the rind is normal.
- The fruit should feel heavy for its size; a light feel may indicate dryness.
- The rind should be firm, not loose or wrinkled.
- There should be no soft, rotten spots or areas of mold.
How to Store Pomelo
Pomelo can be stored in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. Cut and peeled segments stay fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Using Pomelo in the Kitchen
Pomelo is most often peeled, separated into segments, and eaten raw. It is often added to salads, especially the sweet-sour-spicy salads of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.
How to Peel Pomelo
Score and remove the rind with a knife and your hands, then peel away the thick white membrane around the segments and eat only the flesh inside. The membrane is quite tough and bitter.
How to Make Pomelo Salad
Mix peeled pomelo segments with fenugreek, red onion, peanuts, and a sweet-and-sour dressing to make a refreshing Southeast Asian-style salad.
What Recipes Use Pomelo?
Pomelo is used in Thai-style pomelo salad, fruit salad, and freshly squeezed juice. It is also used to garnish desserts and cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pomelo and grapefruit?
Pomelo is an ancestor of the grapefruit; it is larger, has a thicker rind, and is generally sweeter and less bitter. Grapefruit is a natural hybrid of pomelo and orange.
How do you peel a pomelo?
Score the rind with a knife and remove it by hand, then peel away the thick white membrane around the segments and eat only the flesh inside; this takes a little more effort than peeling a grapefruit.
Does pomelo have seeds?
Some pomelo varieties may contain a small number of seeds; most commercially grown varieties are seedless or have very few seeds.
Which medications can interact with pomelo?
Like other citrus fruits, pomelo can interact with some cholesterol and blood pressure medications; people who take medication regularly are advised to consult their doctor before eating it.
How do you store pomelo?
Pomelo can be stored in a cool place or in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. Peeled segments should be eaten within a few days when refrigerated.