Grapefruit

Description Grapefruit, Citrus × paradisi, is a large evergreen tree in the family Rutaceae grown for its edible fruit. The tree has a spreading canopy with a rounded top and densely packed dark green, long and thin leaves with winged petioles. The tree produces white flowers singly or in clusters and large spherical fruits, usually in clusters. The fruits are 8–12 cm (3–5 in) in diameter with yellow-orange skin and segmented white, red or pink flesh. Grapefruit trees can reach heights between 10 and 15 m (33–50 ft) and live for many years if well maintained. Grapefruit likely originated in the West Indies as a hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange or mandarin.
Uses Grapefruit can be eaten fresh and is commonly eaten as a breakfast fruit. It can also be used to make juice or processed for canning of segments or pulp. Grapefruit essential oils are used in perfumery.
The evergreen grapefruit trees usually grow to around 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall, although they may reach 13–15 m (43–49 ft).[1] The leaves are glossy, dark green, long (up to 15 cm (5.9 in)), and thin. It produces 5 cm (2 in) white four-petaled flowers. The fruit is yellow-orange skinned and generally, an oblate spheroid in shape; it ranges in diameter from 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in). The flesh is segmented and acidic, varying in color depending on the cultivars, which include white, pink, and red pulps of varying sweetness (generally, the redder varieties are the sweetest).[1] The 1929 U.S. 'Ruby Red'[1] (of the 'Redblush' variety) was the first grapefruit patent.[5]