Pummelo 101
Peeling-How-To & Praise For This Unique Fruit
Pummelo (also spelled Pommelo or Pumelo) is a fruit native to SE Asia and is most similar in appearance to a grapefruit. But what lies beneath its thick peel is a delicious mystery to unearth.
Pummelo’s botanical name Citrus Maxima literally means “biggest citrus.” They’re recognized as the first citrus brought to the West and are the “parent” of the grapefruit.
Pummelos are indeed exceptionally large in size, but they’re also robust in flavor! While their sweet-tart flavor profile is best compared to a grapefruit, even that doesn’t quite accurately describe the vibrant, punchy taste of pummelos. Nor can an exact comparison be drawn between a grapefruit's flesh to a pummelo’s, which is juicy and succulent but quite firm.
You truly have to try them to appreciate how dynamic this fruit is.
Adding to its complexity is its incredibly thick peel and rind, as well as its bitter pith that must be removed to enjoy.
Peeling and removing the flesh of a pummelo takes some pointers, and OGC is happy to guide first-timers through this process!
Below, watch as our own Kim Langston expertly demonstrates how to break down a pummelo!
How To Peel a Pummelo
Supreming Pummelo
Before peeling a pummelo, remember that this is a robust fruit. You’ll need to use a bit of force when removing the skin and separating the segments. Don’t be afraid to get a little rough with it!
First, slice off the top and the bottom
Remove the peel (set aside for candying!)
Find the middle of the fruit and insert your thumbs
Break the fruit in half
Continue breaking into smaller sections of 2-3 segments each
Using a knife and slicing from top to bottom of the middle of the segments, open the pith and remove the large seeds.
One at a time, begin removing each segment from the pith. Also known as “supreming” the fruit.
Eat and enjoy!
OGC Coworkers Celebrate Pummelos
While OGC coworkers share a love of citrus season as a whole, there’s a very enthusiastic pummelo fan-group amongst our family of Citrus Nerds. We asked a few our most vocal pummelo-stans why this fruit is a must-have, inspite of the elbow grease needed to enjoy them!
Audra Theibout, OGC’s 2018 Citrus Tour
“I didn’t really discover the magic of the pummelo until somewhat recently, even though I have been working in produce for years. I thought they were too much work so I stuck with the grapefruit I knew and loved. But then someone taught me HOW to eat a pummelo and my life changed. Once the pummelo is supremed, the fruit is somehow firm but juicy at the same time with a sweet-tart balance of flavor. They’re more subtle and refined than a grapefruit. I will often supreme the whole pummelo and sit down with a bowl to enjoy the glorious fruits of my labor!”
- Audra Theibout, Sales Manager
“I enjoy pummelo for it’s balanced flavor. I really love pummelo broken down to segments and used in a green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. “
- Don Mayfield, Citrus Buyer
“Whenever I demo citrus, there will be a few folks who say, “I don’t like grapefruit.” I encourage them to try a pummelo, because you get a refreshing punch of grapefruit flavor without the high acid and bitterness of most types of grapefruit. Nine times out of ten folks are shocked by pummelos. They love the essence of grapefruit, but with a complixity of flavor that plays games on their palate. It’s a real hit!”
-Monique Kirby, Account Rep
As shoppers continue to demonstrate their interest in new-to-them products, 2021 is a great year to introduce your shoppers to one or more of the delicious varieties of pummelos!
While organic African Shaddock is gapping as its season draws to a close, there’s plenty of Chandler pummelos available now, with Valentine pummelo to follow! Call your Rep and place your order!