Food Encyclopedia

pomelo

This giant citrus fruit is native to Malaysia (where it still grows abundantly) and thought to be ancestor to the grapefruit. Like grapefruits, pomelos vary greatly in color, size and shape. They range from cantaloupe-size to as large as a 25-pound watermelon and have very thick, soft rind that can vary in color from yellow to pale yellowish-brown to pink. The light yellow to coral-pink flesh can vary from juicy to slightly dry and from seductively spicy-sweet to tangy and tart. The pomelo is also called shaddock after an English sea captain who introduced the seed to the West Indies. The French name for this fruit is It's also called Chinese grapefruit. Pomelos are available in the winter from produce markets and some farmer's markets. Choose fruit that is heavy for its size, blemish-free and sweetly fragrant. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pomelos may be used in any way suitable for grapefruit. They're high in vitamin C and potassium. See also oro blanco.