As a Hale Groves customer, you are undoubtedly aware that there are many varieties of grapefruit—from the Ruby Red to the Indian River and more.  What you may not know is that the grapefruit is actually a descendant, or hybrid of a much older fruit called a pummelo, and in some regions of the world, the two names are interchangeable. Pummelos were originally from Malaysia, and are typically larger than grapefruit, with an average weight of 1-3 lb.  The flesh of the pummelo is slightly sweeter and chewier than the grapefruit, and there is great variation in flavor from fruit to fruit. Grapefruits have a slightly tart taste, the degree of which depends on the type and ripeness of the individual fruit.  Ruby Red Grapefruits are generally considered to be the most popular and widely known, due in part to their distinctive color. Indian River Grapefruits are also a very popular variety, particularly among fruit-savvy Hale Groves customers.  Grapefruits are typically thinner skinned then Pummelos, containing twelve segments and are optimal for juice production. Both Grapefruits and Pummelos require prolonged periods of heat to grow well, which is why sub tropical regions of the world, like Florida, are ideal climates.  The United States is the top producing grapefruit country in the world, and the grapefruits grown in Florida account for approximately 75% of  all grapefruits grown worldwide.  Grapefruit oils, both cold pressed and essence are used in a variety of ways.  Essence oil, in particular, is used in a variety of fragrances and beauty products.  Cold pressed oil has been shown to be particularly rich in essential vitamins and minerals The name “grapefruit,” came about because of the way that the fruit grows in clusters, similar to large grapes, and it was not until 1948 that the Grapefruit was given the official designation of a separate type of citrus fruit and not, as first believed, a variety of extremely large orange. Other names for grapefruit include the  Italian Pompelmo, the Shaddock, after the man credited with the initial discovery of the fruit, and the French Pampelmousse. Whatever you call them, Grapefruits are nutritious, delicious, and a wonderful complement to any meal or snack.  Many people include a glass of grapefruit juice as part of their healthy morning routine, and the health benefits of the grapefruit have been widely documented by various research studies. At Hale Groves, our grapefruit, and other citrus fruit products arrive at your door at the peak of flavor and are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Now that you know more about the history of this popular fruit, why not send a basket of delicious Ruby Red, or Indian River Grapefruits to yourself or someone you love today?  Visit our products page for further info.