*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Pomelo is an evergreen tree 12-15 meters high. It grows in Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Fiji, Thailand, Japan, Israel. In tropical latitudes (native countries), pomelo fruits can reach a weight of 5–10 kg, but their smaller “brothers” weighing one to three kilograms are transported to our country.
The color, size of the fruit depends on the place of growth and variety. Do not confuse the green, yellow skinned pomelo with an unripe pomelo. Ripe fruits can be painted in different colors: dark green, yellow, orange. Their “core” is juicy, more fleshy, fibrous, in comparison with other citrus fruits, it tastes tender, sweet, sometimes with a slight sourness. The color is white or yellow-white, and only one variety, Thongdi, has pink flesh.
To choose a ripe fruit, you need to pay attention to the uniformity of its color, density, weight, the presence of seals or “pits” on the zest. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
How to choose a pomelo in a store – practical tips
Look closely at the skin of the fruit. It should be “healthy”, shiny, smooth, without significant protrusions, defects and irregularities. The color should be uniform (more or less browned sides are allowed).
Compare the weight of several fruits of the same size. Choose the one that is heavier. The more weight, the juicier the pomelo.
Look for fruits with firm, thin rinds. The smaller the peel, the more pulp inside.
Avoid fruits that feel soft or have soft patches on the skin. A ripe pomelo should be elastic, not succumb to finger pressure.
Avoid buying pomelo with too hard skins and fruits with suspiciously bright colors, which often indicate the use of chemicals, nitrates in cultivation.
If you buy a product in the market, without a protective film, be sure to smell it. The smell should be felt at a short distance, be well pronounced, but not caustic.
If the sides of the pomelo shine like a polished samovar, and the fruit itself is covered with a sticky film, refuse to buy. It is possible that the product has been treated with a special solution to improve its appearance and extend its shelf life.
When buying, keep in mind that February is the time when the pomelo ripens.
Store fruits at room temperature if they will be used within seven days, or in a sealed container if they will be consumed within six to eight weeks.
What kind of pomelo to choose
When buying, consider the variety or shape of the pomelo. From this will depend on its sweetness.
Phong Dee variety has a sweet taste and pleasant texture, which is liked by most consumers. Differs in a rounded shape, dark green color of the zest, pink flesh.
Khao Paen variety has a pale lemon yellow smooth skin, flattened shape. The pulp is divided into 12-15 segments, which are difficult to separate from each other. It is very juicy, sweet, with a slight sourness and a slight hint of bitterness.
Khao phuang. Grown in Thailand. The fruits are elongated, pear-shaped. Greenish-yellow peel. The pulp consists of 11-13 segments, which are easily separated from each other. The peel is hard, medium thickness. The fruit tastes very juicy, with a pronounced aroma and noticeable sourness. There are few seeds.
Tahitian. It has a pronounced sweet taste, thin skin and amber color.
Banpeiyu’. The fruits are large, round, the peel is pale yellow, smooth, thick. Pomelo has a juicy, sweet-sour taste, a pronounced pleasant aroma.
‘Hirado’. Grown in Japan. It has a flattened shape, bright yellow glossy skin, tender flesh with a slight bitterness.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.