February 12, 2021

Celebrate National Grapefruit Month with Winter Sweetz

February is a great month for celebrations. Winter will soon be coming to a close and the month also reminds us that spring is just around the corner. But did you know February is also National Grapefruit Month?

That’s right, an entire month dedicated to the many virtues of grapefruit! National Grapefruit Month is also a great reminder of how fortunate we are to enjoy the delicious, healthy, and sweet Texas red grapefruits.

In addition to showing appreciation for the growers of this incredible citrus fruit, there’s also good reason to celebrate the countless health and nutritional benefits of this vitamin C-packed food. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system or add a pop of color and taste to your dishes, sweet and savory grapefruits are just what you need.

Check out some of the interesting facts and reasons why you should include grapefruit in your diet.

Grapefruit Is a Great Fruit: Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Grapefruits are the official state fruit of Texas.
The name “grapefruit” came about from Jamaican farmers who noticed the fruit growing in clusters, much like grapes.
The first grapefruit tree was grown in Florida in 1823 and was initially grown as a novelty for tourists.
In 1929, the ruby red grapefruit was discovered by citrus growers in Texas and was the first variety to receive a United States’ patent.
The United States is the leading grapefruit grower.
California and Texas are the two highest producing states of grapefruit.
Peak season in Texas for grapefruit is between October and May/June.
South Texas can grow grapefruit year-round.
Grapefruit varieties can be white, pink, or red.
Taste varies from sweet to sour and is based on the variety.
White and pink grapefruit are tart, while reds are sweeter.
It takes between six to 13 months for a tree to produce fruit.
Grapefruit trees thrive in subtropical environments.
Grapefruit trees produce white flowers.
You can find a cluster of up to 25 grapefruit growing at a time.

The Health Benefits of This Prized Citrus Fruit

If you’re looking to kickstart your diet and adopt healthier eating habits, consider adding grapefruit to your meal plan. Grapefruits contain essential vitamins and minerals and can be consumed whole, as a juice, or in pulp form.

However you choose to eat this delicious fruit, it offers a range of benefits that can help improve your health and appearance. From promoting healthy skin to protecting against various illnesses and conditions, grapefruit and its benefits have long been studied in medical and dietary communities.

Here are some of the reasons why people love grapefruit:

The low-calorie fruit is rich in nutrients and is an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Grapefruit ranks low on the glycemic index, which means it provides nutrients that don’t negatively impact a person’s blood sugar levels.
Grapefruit improves blood pressure and lipid (fat) levels in the blood. A link exists between high blood pressure, lipid levels, and obesity, therefore, many consider grapefruit an ideal food to help control weight and prevent obesity.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has found eating more flavonoids may lower the risk of ischemic stroke in women. Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in citrus fruit, including grapefruit.
As a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, grapefruit consumption can help individuals combat the formation of free radicals that give rise to cancer.
Containing fiber, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C, and choline, grapefruit may help contribute to improved heart health.
Grapefruit contains both water and fiber, which aids in promoting a healthy digestive tract and prevents constipation.
Grapefruit contains high levels of vitamin C, which supports the immune system to prevent and treat respiratory illnesses and other infections.