Red, Ripe, Delicious Grapefruit

Southeast, near the border of Mexico, lies the Rio Grande river valley. “The Valley,” as known to Texas residents, is the premier citrus growing region in the state. The climate is subtropical with few freezes and river delta fertile soil. The desert-like heat and sunshine support the most delicious citrus of all, the Red Grapefruit.

A plump, golden beauty with a blush-tinged exterior hints at the succulent ruby red fruit bursting on the inside. Yum. The red variety of grapefruit, a natural mutation, happened in the Rio Grande Valley. Ruby Red Grapefruit is the official state fruit of Texas.

In 1929, a farmer in McAllen, Texas, A.E. Henninger, discovered an unusual red blush on ripening fruit. Further investigation revealed a ruby red interior flesh, much sweeter than the pink variety growing on the same tree. A natural mutation had occurred. Over the next decade, many other growers in the region found similar mutations. Farmers grafted the new variation onto other pink fruit trees, thus producing an identical red fruit. In 1934 Henninger patented his new citrus variety, Ruby Red, creating the first U.S. citrus patent. *(http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/grapefruit.htm)

A Grapefruit Orchard in the Rio Grande River Valley.

So named for the grape-like clusters of the fruit formation.

Each spring citrus trees begin to flower and perfume the air. The bees gather the fragrant nectar thus pollinating for fruit production. Grapefruit being larger than most citrus fruits ripen late, December or January. The splendid sunny fruits brighten winter’s gray. For weeks, grapefruits decorate our kitchens and sweeten our palates. Enjoy summer’s sunshine today, with a deliciously sweet Ruby Red Grapefruit.

Summer’s Sun Cocktail

Fresh squeezed juice of 1 red grapefruit

Vodka Lemon/Lime Soda or Carbonated Water Ice -Fill glass with ice.

Add 1 shot of Vodka.

Fill glass 2/3 of the way with lemon/lime soda.

Finish to the top with fresh squeezed red grapefruit juice.

Mmm tastes like summer.  

Fun Facts: -Grapefruit, Citrus x paradisi, is a hybrid of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and tropical pummelo (Citrus maxima)

-After severe freezes in the mid 20^th century, Texas eliminated pink and white grapefruit trees in favor of the red varieties.

-The U.S. is the worldwide leader in grapefruit production. Only four states grow grapefruit- Arizona, California, Florida, Texas