Pomelo

What Is Pomelo?

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is the largest fruit in the citrus family; it is also considered the ancestor of grapefruit. It has a thick, soft skin and generally a light green-yellow exterior.

The flesh under the skin resembles grapefruit but is less juicy, crisper, and noticeably less bitter-sour. Its color can range from white to pink; its segments are covered by a thick membrane that is generally peeled off before eating.

Nutritional Value of Pomelo

Pomelo is a low-calorie citrus; 100 grams contains about 38 kcal of energy and 61 mg of vitamin C. It also carries small amounts of potassium and B-group vitamins.

What Are the Benefits of Pomelo?

With its vitamin C content, pomelo is one of the citrus fruits that can be considered part of a balanced diet. Due to its low calorie count and high water content, it can be preferred as a light snack.

This information is general; pomelo is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Citrus interaction with certain medications (especially cholesterol and blood pressure medications) is a known issue; people on regular medication are advised to consult their doctor.

How Do You Choose Pomelo?

A heavy, firm-skinned pomelo is generally juicier and riper; slight roughness on the skin is normal.

• It should feel heavy for its size; lightness indicates dryness.
• The skin should be firm, not loose or wrinkled.
• There should be no soft rotten spots or moldy areas.

How Do You 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 in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Using Pomelo in Cooking

Pomelo is most often peeled and eaten raw, segment by segment. It is frequently added to salads, especially the sweet-sour-spicy salads of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.

How Do You Peel Pomelo?

After the skin is sliced with a knife and peeled off by hand, the thick white membrane surrounding the segments is also removed so that only the inner flesh is eaten. This membrane is quite firm and bitter.

How Do You Make Pomelo Salad?

Peeled pomelo segments are mixed with fenugreek leaves, red onion, peanuts, and a sweet-sour dressing to make a refreshing Southeast Asian-style salad.

Which Recipes Use Pomelo?

Pomelo is used in Thai-style pomelo salad, fruit salad, and freshly squeezed juice. It is also favored for dessert and cocktail garnishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pomelo and grapefruit?

Pomelo is the ancestor of grapefruit; it is larger, has a thicker skin, and is generally sweeter and less bitter. Grapefruit is the natural hybrid of pomelo and orange.

How is pomelo peeled?

The skin is sliced with a knife and separated by hand, then the thick white membrane surrounding the segments is also peeled so only the inner flesh is eaten; this process is a bit more laborious than with grapefruit.

Does pomelo have seeds?

Some pomelo varieties can have a small number of seeds; most commercially grown varieties are seedless or have very few seeds.

Which medications can pomelo interact with?

Like other citrus fruits, pomelo can interact with certain cholesterol and blood pressure medications; people on regular medication are advised to consult their doctor before consuming it.

How is pomelo stored?

It can be stored in a cool place or the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. Peeled segments should be consumed within a few days in the refrigerator.