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The grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree grown for
its fruit which was originally named the "forbidden
fruit " of Barbados. The origin of the grapefruit is
also known by the Latin name Citrus paradisi. It is
thought that the grapefruit was first found in Barbados
during the 1750's as a mutation of the pummelo.
These evergreen trees are usually found at around 5-6 m
tall, although they can reach 13-15 m. The leaves are
dark green, long (up to 150 mm) and thin. It produces 5
cm white four-petalled flowers. The fruit is
yellow-orange skinned, largely oblate and ranges in
diameter from 10-15 cm . The flesh is segmented and
acidic, varying in color depending on the cultivars,
which include white, pink and red pulps of varying
sweetness.
The fruit has only become popular from the late 19th
century. Before it was only grown as an ornamental
plant. The US became a major producer of the fruit
initially with orchards in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and
California. In Spanish, the fruit is known as toronja or
pomelo.
The seasonal period starts from winter throgh early
spring.
Grapefruits contributes, nutritional vitamin C which
supports the immune system, phytonutrients in grapefruit
called limonoids inhibit tumor formation, lowers
cholesterol, protect colon cancer, grapefruit's
naringenin repairs DNA.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin
A, potassium, folate, and vitamin B5. Grapefruit also
contains phytochemicals including liminoids and lycopene.
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