Grapefruit

Grapefruit is not only a refreshing way to start your day, it is a nutrient-dense food. An entire medium grapefruit has a minimal 40 calories, while offering lots of antioxidants and other nutrients that protect your body. 

BUY IT

Choose a well-shaped firm fruit that is spring-to-touch and heavy for it’s size. Discolored spots on the skin rarely affect eating quality. Varieties include seedless, with seeds, pink or white-fleshed. Avoid fruit which is soft or discolored at the stem end.

ADD IT

Grapefruit’s refreshing, tart flavor makes it a superb companion to fish; it’s also very good with chicken and pork. Spices that marry well with grapefruit include cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; salt intensifies its sweetness. Fresh ginger and herbs such as mint, basil, tarragon, and rosemary are also good pairings. A surprisingly pleasant marriage comes with chile peppers, both hot and mild.

PREP IT

First thing to keep in mind is that although grapefruit may look like softballs, they are still vulnerable to being bruised, just like any other fruit. So follow common-sense rules here: don’t dump a bunch of other stuff on top of your grapefruit in your shopping bag – keep them in their own bag. Don’t store them in a plastic bag, and keep them in a cool place. They’ll do well at room temperature for about 4-5 days, and they’ll keep for up to three weeks in the crisper in the fridge.

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