Citrus grandis

Citrus grandis, also known as pomelo or shaddock, is a natural citrus species from the family Rutaceae. It is one of the original citrus species from which the rest of cultivated citrus have been hybridized.

Description

The Citrus grandis is a large evergreen tree that typically grows up to 15–25 meters (49–82 ft) in height. The leaves are glossy and dark green, while the flowers are large and white with a strong, sweet aroma. The fruit of the Citrus grandis is the largest citrus fruit, ranging from the size of a large grapefruit to that of a basketball. It has a thick, pale green to yellow skin, with sweet to semi-sour to almost bitter segmented pulp.

Cultivation

Citrus grandis is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Today, it is grown in many countries worldwide, including China, Japan, India, Fiji, Malaysia, and the United States. The tree thrives in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers full sun and is tolerant of drought, but not cold.

Uses

The fruit of the Citrus grandis is consumed fresh and is also used in various culinary applications. It is a common ingredient in desserts, salads, drinks, and marmalades. The peel is often used in Chinese cooking for flavoring. In traditional medicine, the fruit is used for its purported health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting immunity.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Citrus grandis, including the 'Honey', 'Chandler', and 'Reinking' pomelos. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, such as fruit size, color, taste, and growing conditions.

See also

• Citrus
• Rutaceae
• Pomelo
• Shaddock