Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress
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Question How did the grapefruit get its name? It doesn’t look like a grape.Answer
It is believed that the name refers to the manner in which grapefruit grows in clusters on a tree.
Grapefruit. SNAP-Ed Connection, U.S. Department of Agriculture.Most botanists agree that the grapefruit is a cross between a pummelo External link and a sweet orange External link . Grapefruit, like all citrus fruit, is a Hesperidium, or a large modified berry with a thick rind.
Recently harvested grapefruit. Photo by Keith Weller. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.If you see grapefruit growing on a tree, you will notice that they grow in clusters. It is suggested that these clusters resemble the shape of large yellow grapes and so the fruit was called a grapefruit. Another explanation is that the premature grapefruit looks similar in shape to unripe green grapes.
Inspecting grapefruit on conveyor at a grapefruit juice canning plant, Weslaco, Texas. Russell Lee, 1939. Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress.Published: 11/19/2019. Updated: 4/29/2024 Author: Science Reference Section, Library of Congress
Related Websites
Facts about Citrus Fruits and Juices: Grapefruit
External
(Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) - This PDF document gives a description of grapefruit and its varieties, tips, storage, health benefits, along with suggestions for incorporating grapefruit juice into a healthy diet. A brief summary addressing grapefruit juice/drug interactions is included. (PDF, 712 KB)
Grapefruit
External
(Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) at the University of Florida) - EDIS provides information on the history, distribution, description, and cultivars of grapefruit.
Grapefruit
(USDA SNAP-Ed Connection) - Recipes and suggested resources for learning and teaching about grapefruit.
Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix
(U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
Further Reading
Asselin, Marie. Simply citrus.
Johns, Leslie, and Violet Stevenson. "Grapefruit." The complete book of fruit . London, Angus and Robertson Publishers, 1979. p. 148-150.
Mabberley, David J. Citrus: A world histry.
Morton, Julia Frances. "Grapefruit." Fruits of warm climates. Miami, FL, J. F. Morton, 1987. p. 152-158.
Sinclair, Walton B. The grapefruit: its composition, physiology, and products.
Snyder, Carla. Sweet and tart: 70 irresistible recipes with citrus.
Tolkowsky, Samuel. Hesperides; a history of the culture and use of citrus fruits.
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