Good news — grapefruit season is year-round. The tart fruit is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Since it’s always available, we need to take full advantage of it. So how do we know when grapefruit is ripe? We got you covered.
Check the Color
It might be tricky to tell when a grapefruit is ripe based on its color. Grapefruits come in five different sizes and colors, such as red, pink, white, oro blanco, and pomelo grapefruits. Each type of grapefruit can range anywhere from bright yellow, to blush pink, to deep orange. With all of these different colors, how are we supposed to know when they’re ripe?
As with most citruses, if there’re any noticeable green patches on the grapefruit, it’s not ripe. The only exception is oro blanco grapefruits. They naturally have a bright greenish, yellow tint to them.
Check the Shape
Grapefruits are supposed to be round, right? Sort of. Grapefruits have a flat bottom and a flat top, giving it an awkward oval shape. Perfection is overrated, and if the grapefruit is too perfectly round, it should still be on the tree. If it’s lumpy looking or triangle shape, put it down.
Check the Texture
This is where it gets sexual. Feeling the grapefruit might be the easiest way to tell when it’s ripe. It should feel plump and heavy, as if it’s about to burst with sweet grapefruit juice. In general, ripe citrus will have smooth, thin skin.
Give the grapefruit a nice squeeze to see if it’s firm. Firm all the way around is a good sign. If there are any soft spots, it’s probably going bad. Are you still with me?
Now that you know how to tell when a grapefruit is ripe, store it at room temperature and eat it within 10 days. It should be full of juice and ready to eat (insert winky face). Take advantage of those nutrients while they’re good.