Ruby Red Grapefruit

Availability

Ruby Red Grapefruit are available November through April.

Health Benefits and Drug Interaction with Florida Ruby Red Grapefruit

Known to be high in Vitamin C, grapefruit, including Florida Ruby Red Grapefruit, also contain many other vitamins and minerals thought to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fight anemia, help prevent cancer and provide other health benefits.

Ruby Red Grapefruit may interact with some drugs, including cholesterol and blood pressure medications. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the interaction between grapefruit and medications that you are taking.

History

Ruby Red Grapefruit, initially called "Redblush," was a "limb sport," or spontaneous mutation of a Thompson Grapefruit, itself a sport of the Florida White Marsh Grapefruit. Redblush was first observed by J. B. Webb of Donna, Texas in 1931. Budwood from the limb was grafted onto rough lemon root stock and in 1934 this generally seedless red grapefruit was widely introduced.

The warm, moist climate in Florida fostered a particularly juicy and sweet fruit which was renamed Ruby Red Grapefruit and now comprises the bulk of the state's grapefruit crop.

Nutritional Information

One-half Ruby Red Grapefruit, approximately 100 grams, contains:

• 32 calories
• 1.1 g dietary fiber
• 12 mg calcium
• 139 mg potassium
• 124 IU vitamin A
• 34.4 mg vitamin C