Welcome to the fifth Harvest of the Month: Grapefruit!

Grapefruits will be available at your school on Monday, March 15th.

What to do?

  1. Contact your teacher to schedule a time for your tasting.
  2. Check with your teacher if any students have food allergies.
  3. Take the Harvest of the Month home and prepare them for your tasting! There are many recipe ideas included in the handouts, but you can always keep it simple.
  4. Look over the curriculum and plan key education nuggets you think your class will enjoy.
  5. Return the green canvas bag the produce came in to the pick up location.

Resources

Grapefruit diagram that labels stem, peel, core and juice vesiclesLet’s talk grapefruit

  • Have you tasted grapefruit before?
  • What does it taste like to you? Is it sweet or sour or both?
  • Have you every had a grapefruit bigger than an orange?

Botanical facts

  • Scientific name: Citrus Paradisi
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Classification: Subtropical Citrus Fruit

Reasons to eat

  • Grapefruit has essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • A medium grapefruit can provide 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement and over 50% of your vitamin A needs.

Produce tips

  • Choose grapefruit with slightly red or orange peel. Deeper color often means stronger flavor.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 10 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

How do grapefruit trees grow?

  • Grapefruit trees are broadleaf evergreen citrus trees. They keep their leaves all year and grow best in subtropical to tropical climates.
  • They are sensitive to cold and need at least 8–10 hours of direct sun.
  • Their season is December–May, with a January–April peak.
  • They grow best from 55–100 degrees.
  • Fruit is ready about 2–3 months after flowering.

Grapefruit fun facts

  • It was once called the “forbidden fruit.”
  • The name grapefruit comes from grape-like clusters on trees.
  • There are over 20 varieties, from tart to slightly sweet.
  • Trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and live over 50 years.
  • The largest recorded grapefruit weighed 11 pounds, 9.7 ounces and grew in Brazil.
  • Grapefruit emerged in Barbados during the 18th century from an accidental sweet-orange and pomelo cross. It arrived in 1823; its thick skin and bitter taste initially limited its popularity.
  • California is the leading grapefruit-producing state.
  • In the 2022–23 season, California produced over 160,000 tons.
  • Grapefruit grows in the Coachella Valley and part of the San Joaquin Valley.

Grapefruit recipes

Grapefruit Sunshine Cups

  • grapefruit sections
  • plain or vanilla yogurt
  • granola or cereal

Directions:

  • An adult peels and cuts the grapefruit.
  • Layer grapefruit and yogurt in a cup.
  • Top with granola or cereal.
    Ask an adult for help with cutting!

Check out these other great recipes