The Holy Grail of Fresh Beauty, Organic Grapefruit

The Holy Grail of Fresh Beauty, Organic Grapefruit

When it comes to fall season, the fruits of the citrus family will make their debut one by one. After the pomelo for Mid-Autumn Festival, the grapefruit is replaced. Its round and plump fruits grow in clusters, shaped like bunches of grapes, and since the appearance looks like a pomelo, it is called grapefruit, also known as citrus. It is a subtropical fruit tree of the Rutaceae citrus genus, which is a natural hybrid of sweet orange and grapefruit. It does not have strict requirements on the soil that it only needs a loose and well-drained environment. Due to its intolerant to coldness, the suitable annual average temperature is about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

According to research study, grapefruit originated from Barbados in the West Indies in 1700 AD. Commercial cultivation began in Florida in 1823 and was introduced to Taiwan in the 20th century. The main producing areas are Chiayi, Yunlin, and Hualien, with Yunlin Gukeng being the most concentrated. Grapefruit comes in two varieties: white-skinned and white-fleshed, and pink or red. Taiwan is dominated by Marsh with yellow skin and white flesh, Ruby with red skin and red flesh, and Star Ruby​​grapefruit.

Grapefruit blooms around the end of February, begins to bear fruit in April and May, and matures in November and December. Organic grapefruit, similar to organic grapefruit cultivation, requires more knowledge and system assistance for the management of fruit trees.

Without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, need to weed cover crops regularly and cultivate with grass to create an ecologically balanced environment. Fruit trees can also use straw to cover the surface of the canopy of the plant to avoid water evaporation and increase soil nutrients. Bagging protection at the young fruit stage of fruit trees to prevent the infestation of scale insects and aphids, and also pay attention to the influence of the beetle. For the disease part, canker and root rot, microbial agents or other non-chemical control methods are used to reconcile the ecosystem of crops and soil. In winter, apply erosive compost of rice bran, chaff, peat, bone meal, and microorganisms around fruit trees to increase fertility. Especially after the grapefruit is harvested, pruning is carried out. The pruning is to prune the dense branches to increase sunlight exposure and ventilation. At the same time, the infected branches are also pruned to avoid the spread of infection. The tree is rounded and dwarfed to facilitate management.

Grapefruit has a rich fruity aroma, sweet and sour taste, and is popular for its fat-reducing effect. Grapefruit contains minerals, enzymes, citric acid, pectin, soluble fiber, and a large amount of vitamin C, which can improve the immune system, prevent retinopathy, and have anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and prevent hardening of the arteries. However, it should be noted that some people are not suitable for eating grapefruit, such as pregnant women, breast cancer patients, and grapefruit will interact with drugs. Those who are taking drugs need to consult a doctor before eating.

Grapefruit can be eaten in a variety of ways. It can be used as a fruit, salad, or jelly. It can also be made into canned food, jam, paired with sparkling drinks, made into caramelized grapefruit, or added to espresso, or even added to dishes. As long as you make good use of the advantages of grapefruit, the taste is amazing.

In addition to being a fruit and food, grapefruit has a wide range of functions. Grapefruit seed extract can be used for pharmaceutical and bactericidal anti-mildew, sore throat treatment, and mild dermatitis treatment, and is also made into capsules or lozenges. Grapefruit’s pure dew and essential oil have an inspiring and stimulating fragrance, which can reduce fat, relieve stress, remove environmental odors, relieve physical and mental stress and fatigue, and also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is a good helper for beauty salons, home cleaning and air purification.