Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice: A Taste of Citrus Season
There’s something truly magical about citrus season, when the trees are heavy with vibrant, sun-ripened fruit and the air smells sweet and tangy. One of my all-time favorite healthy, refreshing drinks is fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, served ice-cold. There’s nothing quite like it. Tangy, slightly sweet, crisp, and packed with nutrition straight from the tree!
At BLeaves Farms, we look forward to this time of year all season long. And this week, we filled a giant jug of juice from about 25 fresh-picked grapefruits! It’s enough to last for a couple of weeks (if we can resist drinking it all right away).
Different Varieties of Grapefruit
Grapefruits come in several varieties, each with their own special flavor:
- Red: Sweet, vibrant, and beautiful deep pink, these are a classic choice for juicing. Varieties include Ruby Red, Rio Red, Star Ruby, and Flame.
- Pink Grapefruit: A balanced middle ground between Ruby Red sweetness and white grapefruit tartness. Varieties include Pink Marsh, Pink Ruby, and Thompson Pink.
- White Grapefruit: More tart than Ruby Red or Oro Blanco, but refreshing and classic for true citrus lovers. Varieties include Marsh White and Duncan.
- Oro Blanco: Meaning “white gold” in Spanish, these are sweeter and less acidic than traditional grapefruit. They are enormous and have a pale yellow flesh and a smooth, mellow flavor. They are a hybrid between pomelo and grapefruit.
Personally, Oro Blanco and Ruby Red are my favorites! Oro Blanco is perfect for a smooth, sweet juice without much bite, while Ruby Red offers that classic grapefruit zing with a naturally sweeter twist.
Growing Grapefruit
Interested in growing your own? Grapefruit trees are rewarding but do need specific conditions:
- Climate: They thrive in warm, subtropical to tropical climates. USDA zones 9-11 are ideal. We are in zone 9B.
- Fruit Production: Grapefruit trees typically start producing fruit about 3-5 years after planting.
- Harvest Time: The best harvest season is generally from November through May, depending on your local climate. They are quite long lasting on the tree.
- Care: They love full sun, well-drained soil, long/slow/deep infrequent watering or flood irrigation, and benefit from regular feeding (three times a year) with a citrus fertilizer.
If you’re lucky enough to have your own tree, you know there’s nothing better than harvesting fruits right from your backyard!
Nutritional Value of Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
One cup of 100% fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice (no sugar added) typically contains:
- Calories: Around 90
- Vitamin C: Over 100% of your daily needs!
- Vitamin A: About 30% of your daily needs
- Potassium: Supports heart and muscle function
- Antioxidants: Lycopene (especially in pink and red varieties) helps protect your cells
- Fiber: If you keep the pulp, you get even more digestive health benefits.
Plus, grapefruit juice is naturally hydrating and low in fat.
Important note: Grapefruit can interact with some medications (especially statins, blood pressure meds, and certain anti-anxiety drugs), so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if you’re unsure!
Making Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
You can make juice with pulp or without pulp, depending on your preference.
- With Pulp: Simply squeeze and strain lightly to remove seeds.
- Without Pulp: After juicing, pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
Tools I recommend for the best juice-making experience:
- Electric Citrus Juicer: Makes juicing large quantities super easy
- Pitcher with Airtight Lid: Keeps juice fresh for up to two weeks
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for those who like their juice pulp-free
I personally love chilling the juice in the fridge overnight. It gets even more refreshing!
A Few More Tips:
- Store juice in a sealed pitcher for maximum freshness.
- For a fun twist, try blending grapefruit juice with a splash of fresh orange juice or a few mint leaves!
Stay Connected!
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And if you want to learn more about growing your own citrus, making fresh juices, or creating your own healthy habits, we have tons of new blog content coming soon.
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