One unusual citrus fruit that you might not have heard about is the pomelo. This is the largest citrus fruit that you can purchase, and it is native to Southeast Asia.
Its Latin name hints at its size – Citrus maxima. Good choice! Those living in other parts of the world may be lucky enough to find one in their local Asian market.
They are also being grown in California and Hawaii these days.
What do pomelos look like?
Pomelos look like giant grapefruit. They can reach the size of a cantaloupe melon and are slightly oval in shape. The skin color is light green to yellowish and this is what makes it difficult to tell when the fruit is ripe.
Once opened, you will notice that your pomelo has a very thick layer of white pith – this is what makes up much of the fruit’s size. Inside, there is flesh resembling that of a grapefruit and ranging in color from yellowish to pink.
Why should you eat them?
Apart from their fresh, citrusy taste, there are many good reasons to eat this unusual fruit. First, like other citrus fruits, pomelos contain good amounts of vitamin C.
They are also good for digestion as they contain a lot of fiber that provides bulk for your stools and food for your good gut bacteria. Third, they contain several antioxidants, lycopene being one.
How To Tell If A Pomelo Is Ripe
Now that you have decided to try out this exotic fruit, you are probably wondering how to tell when it’s ripe seeing as the skin often stays greenish.
- Don’t choose one that is completely green. Choose one whose color ranges from pale yellow to bright yellow. The rind should be shiny and seem thin.
- If the skin is dull, the fruit is not ripe.
- The fruit should feel heavy for its size. This indicates a lot of juice and mature fruit.
- Pomelos do sweeten a little with aging so leave yours to mature for a week or two in a cool, dry, dark place. However, an unripe pomelo will never fully ripen after it has been picked.
- Smell the fruit to check for ripeness. It should give off a floral scent or may smell of freshly mown lawn.
- If you are growing pomelos and want to check their ripeness before harvesting, cut one open and taste it. It should be juicy and not too sour. This test isn’t practical for the home cook who just wants to buy one or two at the market, however.
How To Use Pomelos
Now that you know how to tell if a pomelo is ripe, you’ll want to know how to use them. Here are a few ideas:
- Eat them fresh just as you would a grapefruit. Sprinkle the segments with a little sugar if they are too tart.
- Make marmalade! Remember never to use the pith in your preserve as this is bitter. Peel the skin thinly with a potato peeler.
- Use in a fruit salad. They are delicious in combination with other citrus fruits like oranges and mandarins.
- Juice them. The fresh juice makes a wonderful breakfast drink.
- Use the juice as a marinade to help tenderize meat. It is especially good with beef or pork.
The Bottom Line
We hope we have given you a better idea of how to tell when this unusual citrus fruit is ripe. Remember to check the skin color, weight, and odor – you’re sure to get a ripe one this way.