Grapefruit Is Great Fruit

Want to kick off the New Year right? Eat a grapefruit. The fleshy fruit and its juice are excellent sources of antioxidants and disease-fighting vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Squeeze some into your diet with these ideas.

Combine 1/2 cup grapefruit juice, 1 cup orange juice, 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a tasty smoothie.

Spruce up any green leafy salad by tossing on slices of fresh grapefruit.

Squeeze grapefruit juice into any beverage in place of lemon juice for a refreshing change of pace.

The Ripe Way
Use the three Ts (touch, texture, and timing) to pick the best grapefruit.

Touch: Pick up the citrus. The firmer and heavier the fruit, the juicier the flesh.

Texture: Choose smooth-skinned grapefruit without major flaws on the surface.

Timing: The best season for fresh grapefruit is January through April. You can store grapefruit for two to three weeks in the refrigerator or a cool garage, or for seven to ten days at room temperature.

Source: State of Florida Department of Citrus