Confession: we’re grapefruit obsessed. And we’re not ashamed! If you think grapefruit is just that bitter thing your diet told you to eat, prepare to be enlightened.
We’re spilling the juice on 10 grapefruit heroes you can always count on, and 5 wild child varieties that will make you question everything you thought you knew. Get ready for a tangy adventure!
1. Ruby Red
The superstar of the grapefruit world! Ruby Reds boast that perfect sweet-tart balance with minimal bitterness that converted countless grapefruit skeptics.
First discovered in Texas in 1929, this natural mutation revolutionized grapefruit consumption with its gorgeous crimson flesh and juice. No sugar needed for this naturally sweeter variety!
2. Rio Red
Deeper red than its Ruby relative, Rio Reds deliver intense color and sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Texas growers developed this beauty to withstand cooler temperatures.
The flesh contains lycopene (the same antioxidant in tomatoes) giving it that distinctive ruby hue. Many consider this the sweetest of all commercial grapefruit varieties.
3. Star Ruby
Want the reddest of the red? Star Ruby’s your pick! Created in 1970, this stunner features the deepest red flesh and a thinner rind than other varieties. The flavor? Exceptionally sweet with minimal seeds.
Just beware – this thin-skinned beauty bruises easily, making it somewhat rare in markets despite its superior taste. Worth hunting down!
4. Pink Grapefruit
The happy medium in the grapefruit world! Pink varieties offer a balanced flavor profile – not too sweet, not too tart – with that lovely blush color that brightens any breakfast plate.
Fun fact: pink grapefruits get their rosy hue from lycopene and beta-carotene. These antioxidant powerhouses make this pretty fruit as nutritious as it is delicious.
5. White Marsh
Old-school grapefruit fans swear by White Marsh (also called Marsh Seedless). Its pale yellow flesh packs that classic, bold tartness that wakes up your senses! The oldest commercial seedless variety still grows strong today.
Cocktail enthusiasts prize this variety for its intense, pure flavor that stands up beautifully in mixed drinks. Try it in a Paloma!
6. Duncan
Grandma’s favorite for good reason! Duncan represents grapefruit in its most authentic form – seedy but incredibly aromatic and flavorful. This heritage variety dates back to the 1830s.
Yes, you’ll need to navigate around seeds, but the reward is unmatched flavor depth. Home canners prize Duncans for making the most spectacular marmalade and preserves known to citrus lovers.
7. Oro Blanco
Sweet meets sophisticated in this pomelo-grapefruit hybrid! Oro Blanco (“white gold” in Spanish) delivers exceptionally sweet, seedless flesh without a hint of bitterness. The thick, puffy rind peels away easily to reveal pale greenish-yellow segments.
California-grown and winter-harvested, this variety makes an elegant addition to salads when you want citrus without the pucker factor.
8. Thompson
Meet the pioneer of pink! Thompson was the first pink grapefruit discovered (a natural mutation found in Florida). Its light pink flesh offers a milder flavor than white varieties but isn’t as sweet as modern reds.
History buffs appreciate that this 1913 discovery sparked the entire pink and red grapefruit revolution.
9. Flame
Flame brings the heat with its fiery red interior and sweet-tart personality! This Florida-developed variety thrives in humid conditions where other reds struggle.
Seedless and easy to section, Flames make perfect grab-and-go snacks. Their juice creates the most gorgeous ruby-colored cocktails and mocktails. Weekend brunch, anyone?
10. Melogold
California scientists created this pomelo-grapefruit hybrid with a mission: maximum sweetness, minimum bitterness. Mission accomplished!
Larger than typical grapefruits with a bumpy greenish-yellow exterior, Melogold hides pale yellow flesh inside. The flavor? Think grapefruit with training wheels – mild, sweet, and perfect for citrus beginners.
11. Valentine Pummelo
Romance your taste buds with this stunning hybrid! Valentine’s segmented interior reveals deep red, heart-shaped flesh when cut horizontally (hence the name). Developed by citrus breeders crossing Ruby Red, Dancy tangerine, and pummelo.
Available January through March – perfect for Valentine’s Day!
12. Sweetie
Don’t let the lime-green exterior fool you! Sweetie (also called Oroblanco in some markets) delivers on its name with incredibly low acidity and high sugar content.
This Israeli-developed pummelo-grapefruit cross solved the bitterness problem that turns many people away from grapefruit. The pale flesh peels easily and tastes almost candy-like compared to traditional varieties. Kids actually request this one!
13. Lavender Gem
Small but mighty! This tangelo-grapefruit hybrid fits in your palm but delivers complex flavor in a cute package. The segments pull apart easily like mandarins.
The flesh shows hints of lavender-pink (inspiring its name) with a flavor profile that leans more toward sweet tangerine than bitter grapefruit. Farmers markets and specialty grocers occasionally carry this rare gem.
14. Chandler
Grapefruit meets pumpkin! Chandler pummelos are the giants of the citrus world, often weighing 2-4 pounds each. Their pale pink flesh hides inside a thick, protective rind.
Popular in Asian cuisines and for Lunar New Year celebrations. The segments separate cleanly with almost no membrane, creating a luxurious eating experience. One fruit easily serves an entire family!
15. Cocktail Grapefruit
Identity crisis in fruit form! Despite its name, Cocktail “grapefruit” isn’t a grapefruit at all – it’s a mandarin-pummelo cross with grapefruit-like qualities. Intensely juicy with bright, tangy-sweet flavor that bartenders covet.
The softball-sized fruits have loose, easy-peel skin and orangey-yellow flesh. Makes the most refreshing juice you’ll ever taste – with or without spirits added!