Grapefruit Varieties

The exact origin of the grapefruit is not known, although numerous studies indicate that it is a natural cross between the sweet orange tree and the pummelo (a different species) produced in Barbados, in the West Indies.

From there, its cultivation spread throughout the Caribbean, and later to the United States, where large-scale production began.

Today, grapefruit cultivation is carried out in numerous tropical and subtropical countries and its worldwide production exceeds 3.8 million tonnes, with the United States as the leader with more than 2.3 million tonnes, where 45% is destined for fresh consumption.

It is followed in importance by countries such as Argentina, Cuba, Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa, China, Turkey and Spain (mainly in the regions of Murcia and Valencia).

Grapefruits bloom during the spring and their fruits ripen, depending on the variety, between the autumn and winter months, so their best season for consumption is between October and March.