Fall in Love with Grapefruit!

February may be best known for Valentine’s Day, chocolates, roses and hearts, but did you know that February is also National Grapefruit Month?

The grapefruit is a member of the citrus family and is known for its sour to semi-sweet flavor and there are many health benefits associated with its consumption. Best Food Facts registered dietitian Sarah Downs says this citrus family member is an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C and contains soluble fiber, which may be helpful in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. If that’s not enough, it is also rich in phytonutrients like lycopene — responsible for giving some varieties a beautiful red color!

While grapefruit contains numerous nutritional benefits, Sarah cautions that both grapefruit and its juice may interact with some medications in various ways, so it’s important to consult with a physician before adding grapefruit into your diet.

For a different way to enjoy grapefruit, try this recipe for broiled grapefruit — it’s perfect for a cold winter day!

Broiled Grapefruit

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large pink grapefruits, halved and segmented

Directions:

Mix together sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Preheat oven to broil. Place grapefruit cut-side up on baking sheet. Sprinkle sugar mixture over the top of the exposed fruit. Broil until lightly golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

_{The image “Grapefruit 2” by isox4 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.}

• tags:
• fruit,
• citrus,
• vitamin c,
• grapefruit