Pomelos
The pomelo’s ruby-red fruit and tart taste often draw comparisons to grapefruit, however this delicious and nutritious citrus fruit definitely has a character all its own.
Pomelos...
- ...strengthen your immune system.Pomelos contain about 61 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of pulp; even more than lemons! This substantial dose of vitamin c aids the body in burning fat better and boosting the immune system. ing and is good for the immune system and helps to prevent infections.
- ...can curb hunger pangs.Pomelos are a great source of pectin, a dietary fiber that acts as a natural appetite suppressant, and helps aid digestion.
- ...can help your body burn fat.Pomelos are packed with the bitter substance naringenin, which helps the liver break down fatty acids.
- ...can help you lose weight.Pomelos have long been considered an ideal dieting ingredient, and for good reason-- they are low in calories and are as low in sugar as grapefruit, lemons and limes.
- ...can cause allergic reactions in some.People who are allergic to latex or lawn grass might also be allergic to pomelos.
- ...should not be taken with certain medications.Substances in the pomelo’s pulp can have adverse reactions with medications for asthma, heart disease, and more. If you’re on any medications, be on the safe side and ask your doctor whether you can eat pomelos.
What You Should Know About Pomelos
While pomelos might be one of the more lesser-known varieties of citrus fruit, their distinct tart taste and health benefits have made them increasingly popular in recent years. Like their close cousin the grapefruit, pomelos can grow to impressive sizes, up to 750 grams in some cases. About half that weight is made up of the pomelo’s thick outer skin.
Origins
The Pomelo was discovered in Israel in the early to mid-70s, and the majority of pomelos are still harvested there to this day. South Africa also has a significant pomelo industry.
Seasonality
Pomelos are available almost all year, coming from Israel in the winter and spring months and South Africa during summer and fall.
Flavor
The very juicy flesh of the pomelo is sour and slightly sweet. White-fleshed pomelos are the most aromatic, and there are sweeter varieties on the market, such as the honey pomelo.
How Healthy are Pomelos?
Pomelos are low in calories, with only about 25-50 calories per serving, and contain hardly any fat. They’re rich in vitamin C as well as vegetable minerals, which aid in the absorption of the pomelo’s vitamins into the body. The bitter substance limonine, which is mainly found in the white outer skin, stimulates digestion, and the equally abundant substance narangin helps to control high blood pressure.
Pomelos contains very similar substances to grapefruit and therefore should be consumed with the same care by those on certain medications. As with grapefruits, certain medications can interact badly with pomelos, as the fruit can block block important enzymes that are necessary for the breakdown of many different drugs. If in doubt, please consult with your doctor before integrating pomelos into your diet.
| Pomelo Nutritional Info (100 g) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 46 |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Shopping
A perfect exterior isn’t just unnecessary when it comes to buying pomelos, but should be avoided. Indeed the more wrinkled the skin, the juicier, sweeter and more aromatic the flesh of the pomelo.
Storage
Pomelos can keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Preparation
To get to the delicious flesh of the pomelo, cut the thick skin with a large knife and then peel it off. If you don't like your pomelos especially bitter, remove as much of the tart white outer skin as possible.
What To Make With Pomelos
Pomelos can be used in place of grapefruits in virtually any recipe! Raw pomelo on its own is a healthy and refreshing snack, or delicious in savory or fruit salads or for breakfast with yogurt. If you own a juicer, pomelo makes for a delicious and healthful fresh juice.
