Power Food: The Grapefruit

 

 

Facts for Kids

Citrus is believed to have originate in the part of Southeast Asia.

When it was first discovered it was considered "the forbidden fruit."

Grapefruit grow from a tree.

The most popular citrus foods are, oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes.

Grapefruits come in red, white and pink.

Parents buy one of each and do a blindfold taste test.

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit which helps to clean out cholesterol.

Wonderful and refreshing source of vitamin C and flavonoids.

Flavanoids are what gives flowers and fruits their vibrant colors, eating fruits and vegetables that contain flavonoids has been linked to numerous healthy benefits.

Flavanoids trigger enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease  and age-related degenerative diseases and possible reduce the occurrence of the flu.

 

How to Select and Store:

Choose pink or red grapefruit with a deep blush to its skin to ensure ripeness. The skin should be smooth and the fruit should be firm to touch. Store grapefruit from the market in the refrigerator but if recently picked, the fruit can be left at room temperature up to one week.

Grapefruit contains the following nutritional information according to the USDA:

• Calories : 32


• Fat: 0.10


• Carbohydrates: 8.08


• Fibers: 1.1


• Protein: 0.63


• Cholesterol: 0

How to Use a Grapefruit:

• Fruit sections are a great addition to green and fruit salads.

• Grapefruit juice can be a refreshing drink.

• It also used in the preparation of desserts, jams, marmalade, and jellies. Its peel can be candied as in oranges.

Try This!

Stew pink grapefruits slices and zest with cranberries, raspberries, maple syrup and vanilla for a dessert compote.