The grapefruit is an ideal power-food. Not only do they have a unique tangy flavor, grapefruits are packed with beneficial nutrients for your body. Eating a grapefruit is a wonderful way to start your day. If you already enjoy grapefruits, you’ll be delighted to find out all they can do to boost your health. Florida is known for many great tasting citrus fruits, but the grapefruit has to be one of the best.
Grapefruit Basics
Grapefruit comes in different varieties, set apart by their color. The color indicates the ripeness and genetics of the fruit, both of which have a direct bearing on its pigmentation. The most popular types of grapefruit are red, white and pink. Those color classifications refer to the interior or pulp of the fruit, rather than its exterior. Flavors for these grapefruit types range in their acidity. Some are very acidic, others are tart and others are quite sweet.
First bred in Jamaica, the term “grapefruit” refers not only to the fruit but to the tree itself. The grapefruit tree has long, dark green leaves. It also has white flowers. These flowers then turn from a yellow to an orange skinned fruit. Originally grapefruit was grown as decoration and was not consumed very often. The the 19th century, southern states started growing grapefruit orchards and the fruit itself became more popular.
Choc Full of Goodness
Grapefruit are known to have extremely good nutrients. In particular, grapefruits are a great source of Vitamin C which is known to help fight colds. Known as an antioxidant, Vitamin C also helps the body battle cancer causing free radicals as well as other diseases. Other things Vitamin C is known for is helping muscle tissue produce collagen and it even it helps protect gums. In particular, grapefruit is known for aiding in the lowering of cholesterol.
You may have heard of the grapefruit diet. Effectiveness and safety of such an extreme diet aside, there is a reason why people turn to grapefruit as their sole and staple food. It is nutrient rich, low in calories, fat free, and has a very low glycemic index to help burn fat and keep the metabolism functioning efficiently.
Florida’s Grapefruit Industry
Florida is the world’s leading Producer of grapefruits. It is second to no other region over the entire globe. The very first grapefruit grove was established in Tampa in the early 19th century. Since then the citrus fruit industry has taken off at an incredible rate. Today the Production and distribution of citrus fruits like grapefruits accounts for over 9.3 billion dollars of revenue for Florida each year. It’s no wonder these tangy treats are so popular-they are a healthy, juicy and satisfying way to get your citrus fix.
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