Selection and storage
Grapefruit season begins from September until December. However, fresh fruits can be readily available all around the year now in supermarkets in the USA. Mature fruits harvested mechanically tend to have some superficial injuries. Such small abrasions on the fruit
generally do not affect its quality.
In the stores, buy fresh fruits featuring bright skin, firm, yet yield to gentle pressure, but recoil immediately. They should be devoid of any
wrinkles, should be heavy for their size, and impart a sweet aroma. Avoid overly soft fruits with spots as they tend to perish early.
At home, keep them at room temperature for a few days. For extended storage, place them inside the fruit/vegetable compartment where they keep well for up to three weeks. Prolonged cold storage at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, however, makes them sustain chilling injury.
Preparation and serving method
Wash Grapefruits under cool water before eating in order to rid of any dirt or pesticide residues even though you are probably not using its
peel (zest), since cutting into an unwashed fruit may transfer dirt or bacteria that are residing within the skin into the flesh.
They can be eaten as in oranges. Cut the fruit horizontally into halves and scoop out its sections using a spoon. Alternatively, make a few vertical superficial scores on the skin and then peel it using fingers or a knife. Remove rind, and fibers and gently peel off membranes and seeds.
Here are some serving tips:
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| Grapefruits slices with fruit salad-topped toast. (Photo by falldownmoon) |
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Fruit sections are a great addition to green and fruit salads.
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Grapefruit juice can be a refreshing intra-day drink.
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It is also used in the preparation of desserts, jams, marmalade, and jellies. Its peel can be candied as in oranges.
Safety profile
Research studies have shown that many drugs interact adversely with grapefruit. Certain compounds in the fruit called furanocoumarins may irreversibly inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes (3A4) in the liver and intestinal wall. This enzyme inhibition decreases the pre-systemic metabolism of some drugs taken up to 72 hours after eating this fruit and could adversely increase their levels within the blood. This resulting increase in drug levels might lead to serious adverse effects and toxicity. It is, therefore, strongly advised to consult your healthcare practitioners about consuming grapefruit juice if you are taking any pharmaceutical drugs.
Some commonly used drugs interacting adversely and should be avoided with grapefruit are:
amiodarone
astemizole (Hismanal)
atorvastatin (Lipitor)
budesonide (Entocort)
buspirone (BuSpar)
cisapride (Propulsid, Prepulsid)
lovastatin (Mevacor)
mifepristone (Mifeprex)
sildenafil (Viagra)
simvastatin (Zocor)
terfenadine (Seldane)
(Source:
The Harvard medical school family health guide: Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.
(Medical Disclaimer: The information and reference guides on this website are intended
solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a
substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for any advice
on medications.)
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Further reading and Resources:
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Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page- Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk.
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The Harvard medical school family health guide: Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.