Pomelo (Citrus maxima)

OriginThe mother of the grapefruit

Genetic analyses show that the pomelo is one of the few true ancestral species from which almost all of today's citrus fruits originated.

The pomelo originates from Southeast Asia and southern China, where it has been cultivated for millennia. Along with the mandarin orange and the citron, it is one of the ancestors of our citrus fruits: the orange evolved from the pomelo and mandarin orange, and later the grapefruit from the pomelo and orange. Seafarers brought it to Europe; an English captain named Shaddock is said to have introduced it to the Caribbean in the 17th century – hence its English name. shaddock.

The fruits grow to be 15 to 30 cm long and often weigh 1 to 2 kg. Beneath the soft peel, which can be several centimeters thick, lie large segments whose membranes are bitter. Pomelos are primarily imported to Germany from China, Israel, and South Africa. Hybrids such as Sweetie or Oroblanco (pomelo × grapefruit) are also available commercially. In China, the pomelo is considered a lucky fruit during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

To useWhat Pomelo does for you

According to the USDA, 100 g of pomelo pulp provides approximately 61 mg of vitamin D. Vitamin C, 216 mg potassium, approximately 1 g of fiber and only around 38 kcal. A 150 g serving thus already covers the daily requirement of vitamin C. It also contains folate, flavonoids such as naringin and hesperidin, and, in pink varieties, some lycopene and beta-carotene.

Because it contains a lot of water and little acid, the pomelo is refreshing and easier for many people to digest than grapefruit. The large segments are filling and go well in savory salads. There are no reliable studies on any special health benefits – the pomelo is a good source of vitamin C, nothing more.

Another important characteristic is that pomelos contain, like grapefruits, Furanocoumarins, for example bergamottin. They inhibit the enzyme in the intestine. CYP3A4, which breaks down many drugs. The Canadian researchers who discovered the grapefruit interaction explicitly mention pomelos as being affected as well. A case has been described from Japan in which the blood level of the transplant drug tacrolimus rose significantly after the consumption of pomelo.

IngredientsThat's what's inside the pomelo

Pomelos consist of approximately 89% water and contain fructose, citric acid, vitamin C, potassium, folate, pectin, the flavonoids naringin, naringenin, and hesperidin, as well as limonoids. Pink varieties provide lycopene and beta-carotene. The peel and membranes contain essential oil, bitter substances, and particularly high concentrations of furanocoumarins such as bergamottin and 6′,7′-dihydroxybergamottin.

The furanocoumarin content varies greatly between varieties and growing regions. Because it cannot be detected when buying pomelo, people taking relevant medications should treat it like grapefruit.

Enhanced combinationsWhat makes pomelo stronger

The mild pomelo can tolerate strong partners - and needs distance from some tablets.

What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.

In the kitchenWhere she belongs

• Pure for breakfastDetach segments from the skin.
• Yam Som-OThai pomelo salad with peanuts.
• Vietnamese saladGoi bưởi with shrimp and herbs.
• Winter saladMit Fenchel und Vogerlsalat.
• Avocado bowlWith pomelo, rice and sesame seeds.
• fruit saladWith kiwi and pomegranate.
• Candied peelMade from untreated fruit.
• jamWith a little ginger.
• Yogurt dessertWith mint and honey.
• Chinese dessertMango Pomelo Sago.

As a home remedyPomelo and herb salad as a vitamin C plate

Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say

Warning noticesWhen you should be careful

This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

Related to the topicRead on and cook along!

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