February is National Grapefruit Month. A fruit this powerful deserves its own month!
The fruit we know as grapefruit today was developed in the West Indies in the early 1700’s and was first introduced to Florida in the 1820s. Today, grapefruit hits its peak in February as it still grows in Florida and now even Texas. This fruit is truly worthy of the title super fruit.
Grapefruit contains many properties that are incredible for the body and prevents kidney stones, helps with liver detoxification, protects against lung cancer, reduces fever, lowers cholesterol, and acts as an indigestion aid. Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, even higher than oranges. Vitamin C rich foods can help ward off colds and free radicals which can reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. That’s some fruit!
Coming in at about 70 calories, grapefruit packs a big flavor in a small package. In addition to its health properties, grapefruit can help you stay trim! As the fruit is very low in sodium and high in fat burning enzymes, it burns fat while it helps flush out excess water from high sodium diets. And if that wasn’t good enough, grapefruit also helps boost metabolism. The high water content along with the enzymes and acid get the internal organs working. When eaten within 2 hours of waking, grapefruit gets the digestive system kicked on and stops the body from going into starvation mode. This super fruit is a perfect and powerful breakfast item.
Grapefruit is delicious all on its own. However, some don’t like the bitter taste that’s given off by the outer membrane, or the pith. The flesh can easily be removed to unlock the pure sweet and refreshing taste of the citrus, but if you’re looking for more ways to get grapefruit into your diet here are just a few of the many great recipes that include February’s fruit, the mighty grapefruit.
Frosty Texas Citrus Refresher
- 2 Texas Red grapefruit
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup pineapple sherbet
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey
- Grapefruit wedges for garnish
Juice grapefruit and measure 1-1/3 cups juice. In a blender, combine juice, strawberries, sherbet and 1 tablespoon honey. Whirl until well blended. Sweeten with more honey, if desired. Pour into glasses and garnish with grapefruit. Makes four 8-ounce servings.
Nutrition Per Serving: Calories 160; Fat 1.5g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 25mg; Carbohydrate 39g; Protein 2g.
Or try these other delicious grapefruit recipes: