Lindy Valdez
Eating a pomelo is good for the body and the immune system – like all citrus fruits, the pomelo is an optimal source of vitamin C. In addition, the pomelo has many other nutrients that make it a real power fruit.
What is a pomelo?
Eating pomelos have been possible in Germany for several years. Because since then they can be found on German supermarket shelves. Strictly speaking, however, the name is an umbrella term for various grapefruit fruits, it does not stand for a separate variety. In Germany, however, the hybrids of pomelo and grapefruit are usually referred to as pomelo. These are very popular – after all, the fruits are a little less bitter than their relatives, pleasantly sweet and refreshingly sour.
Visually, the pomelo is particularly noticeable because of its size: The Federal Center for Nutrition points out that the fruit can weigh up to two kilos and have a diameter of around 30 centimeters. They are round, sometimes pear-shaped. The color of the citrus fruit changes between greenish, yellow, and orange with a smooth or slightly knobbed peel.
Origin, cultivation, and season of pomelo
While the grapefruit was discovered in the 18th century, the pomelo is still a newcomer: it was developed as a hybrid in Israel in the 1970s. The citrus fruit is still grown in the Middle Eastern country today. China, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Africa are also important growing areas. In China, the honey pomelo (“honey pomelo”) in particular grows, which impresses with its particularly sweet taste and is therefore often found on the shelves. Although the season usually begins in the fall and lasts through spring, pomelo can be found in supermarkets all year round.
It’s in the pomelo
Like all citrus fruits, the pomelo is also an optimal source of vitamin C – and can therefore strengthen the immune system all year round. 100 grams of raw fruit can contain around 60 milligrams of vitamin C. It also contains valuable secondary plant substances. The dietary fiber pectin stimulates digestion and also acts as an appetite suppressant. The pomelo is not only suitable as an optimal diet snack because of its low number of calories – but it also keeps you full for a long time.
Nutritional values (100 grams, raw):
- Calories: 38
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
What must be considered when eating pomelos?
Pomelos are very healthy thanks to their high vitamin C content. They are eaten without the skin or squeezed into a refreshing juice. However, the fruit should be washed before peeling: the Oldenburg Food Institute of the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety found in an examination of 25 pomelo samples from China, Israel, and unknown countries of origin that there were residues of pesticides in the fruit. These were mainly in the shell.
To prevent pesticide residues from getting from the peel to the pulp when cutting, you should therefore wash the pomelo thoroughly under hot running water before preparing it.
How do you store a pomelo?
Pomelos don’t have to be eaten immediately after purchasing them. They can be stored at room temperature for a few weeks. The fruit will keep even longer in the fridge. Only wash the fruit immediately before eating. Now and then the citrus fruits are covered with a soft plastic net to prevent damage in transit. This can also be left on the fruit during storage to prevent bruising.
Pomelo and taking medication
Many people don’t realize that eating pomelo and other types of grapefruit can also pose dangers. The fruit contains several substances that can affect the absorption of medication by blocking certain enzymes in the liver.
For example, the effects of antidepressants, heart or cancer medications, and antihypertensives can be unpleasantly increased, which can last for several days. If you are taking medication, you should therefore only eat pomelo after prior consultation with your family doctor.
