Citrus fruit pomelo: benefits, harm, composition, recipes

2024 Author: Arianna Cook | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:23

All about citrus fruit. Calorie content, content of vitamins, minerals and other important components. Useful properties of the fruit, who should not eat it. How to choose a pomelo and in what recipes to use?

Pomelo is a large citrus fruit with a fruit weight of at least 1 kg. The skin is very thick, and its shades range from pale green to yellow-orange. The taste is sweet and sour; there is also a slight bitterness. The pulp is denser and drier than other citrus fruits, making it easy to separate from the films. The plant has a long history, there is evidence that the fruit was known in China as early as 100 BC. Since ancient times, it has been known in Southeast Asia, but in Europe it appeared only in the XIV century. Today, the crop is grown everywhere, if the climatic conditions of the region allow it. The fruit is usually eaten raw as a separate dish, and is also used as an ingredient in various recipes. The product is an integral part of Thai and Chinese cuisine, and it is a tribute not only to the high taste, but also to the numerous beneficial effects of citrus on the body.

Composition and calorie content of pomelo

In the photo, the pomelo fruit

Like any other fruit, this citrus is low in calories but high in nutritional value - rich in vitamins and minerals.

The calorie content of pomelo is 38 kcal per 100 g, of which:

• Proteins - 0.8 g;
• Fat - 0 g;
• Carbohydrates - 8.6 g;
• Fiber - 1 g;
• Water - 89 g.

The fruit can be safely included in the diet. Pomelo is good for losing weight: it will not only make the diet more varied and more enjoyable, but will also be able to partially compensate for the vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are characteristic of diets due to dietary restrictions.

Vitamins per 100 g:

• Beta Cryptoxanthin - 10 mcg;
• Vitamin B1, thiamine - 0, 034 g;
• Vitamin B2, riboflavin - 0.027 mg;
• Vitamin B6, pyridoxine - 0.036 mg;
• Vitamin C, ascorbic acid - 61 mg;
• Vitamin PP, NE - 0.22 mg.

Macronutrients per 100 g:

• Potassium - 216 mg;
• Calcium - 4 mg;
• Magnesium - 6 mg;
• Sodium - 1 mg;
• Phosphorus - 17 mg

Microelements per 100 g:

• Iron - 0, 11 mg;
• Manganese - 0.017 mg;
• Copper - 48 mcg;
• Zinc - 0.08 mg.

It is important to note that the composition of the pomelo also includes other biologically active substances necessary for the body - various essential oils, phytoncides, flavonoids, etc., therefore, its value in the diet is very high. It is impossible not to say about the low glycemic index of the fruit - only 30 units, which means that pomelo can be eaten with diabetes.

Useful properties of pomelo

Despite the presence in the composition of a large amount of vitamins and minerals, what the pomelo is most useful for is vitamin C, 100 g of its fruit contains more than half of the daily dose, and therefore its presence in the diet during the cold season is of particular value. Low calorie content allows you to eat citrus in sufficient quantities, replenishing vitamin C reserves without harm to your figure and health. However, it not only saves from colds, but is also a powerful antioxidant and good protection against early aging, vascular and heart diseases, and oncology. The unique natural components contained in citrus make it an excellent anti-inflammatory agent of a wide spectrum, in Thailand, for example, with the help of it, it actively treats diseases of the genitourinary system. Extensive beneficial properties make the fruit valuable for all groups of the population.

The benefits of pomelo for women

The benefits of pomelo are obvious for women who want to eat tasty food but stay slim. The fruit contains very little sugar, but at the same time it has a pleasant sweet taste.

Vitamin C is the most important participant in collagen synthesis, and therefore it has a direct effect on the condition of the skin, maintaining it in tone and even removing wrinkles. Collagen, however, is important not only for the skin, but also for the bones, which makes the presence of the fetus in the diet of elderly women especially relevant - as you know, in the climatic period, the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, a disease of fragility of bones, sharply increases.

However, fruit is also important for young women. The fact is that vitamin C is an important cofactor for the absorption of iron, which in turn is absolutely necessary in good quantities for menstruating girls.

Many women suffer from chronic cystitis and kidney disease, often these problems occur after pregnancy and are associated with prolonged fetal pressure on the relevant organs. The beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of pomelo may reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

It is important to note that citrus is used for women not only in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom. From the fruit, you can prepare great masks, especially effective against excessive oily skin, inflammation, age spots.

The benefits of pomelo for men

And for the mighty of this world, fruit in the diet is very valuable. First of all, pomelo is important for the health of smokers. As you know, smoking consumes vitamin C, and the fetus actively replenishes it. In addition, eating the fruit strengthens the gums, which are often destroyed by smoking; removes yellow plaque - a consequence of exposure to tobacco smoke, and, of course, fights against unpleasant smell of tobacco from the mouth.

Athletes will also like the effect of citrus. It must be eaten before training to avoid dehydration, since almost 90% of the composition is water. However, you should not eat the fruit on an empty stomach if you plan to exercise in the morning. The abundance of acids in the composition when consumed on an empty stomach can irritate the gastric mucosa.

The product has detoxifying properties. It relieves the symptoms of alcohol intoxication very well. It is advised to use it after a stormy holiday along with pickle or sauerkraut juice.

The benefits of pomelo for children

The fruit is also irreplaceable for children - it perfectly replaces various harmful sweets. Citrus fruit is a great compromise when you can give your child a delicious snack without harming his health.

Be sure to let children eat pomelo during colds, especially if the child is attending kindergarten, in this case, strong immunity is especially necessary. If your children don't like the fruit itself, you can make a delicious drink from it - squeeze the juice from the fruit and mix it with honey or other juice, the taste of which your child especially loves.

Pomelo is not only good prevention, but also effective treatment. If the baby is still sick, the fetus will help reduce the temperature, relieve sore throat, and ensure better sputum discharge.

The fruit is also effective in the treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums, heals well stomatitis, which often develops in children, since they like to taste everything, including things that are not quite suitable for this.

Useful properties of pomelo for pregnant women

Pomelo is a very valuable product for pregnant women. The expectant mother is in an extremely paradoxical situation: her immunity is reduced, but she cannot be sick, since the medications taken can affect the fetus and cause developmental defects. Thus, it is very important for pregnant women to take care of their immunity; pomelo is one of the products that helps to do this.

In addition, here, again, it is appropriate to remember that vitamin C helps the iron to be absorbed and prevents the development of anemia - a condition that often develops in pregnant women, since the consumption of vitamins and minerals during this period is increased.

The fruit is also useful for toxicosis - its sweet-sour taste relieves nausea well, improves mood, tones up.

Contraindications and harm to pomelo

Unfortunately, not everything is so simple with the healthy fruit, it can not be used by everyone. First of all, it should be said that citrus fruits often cause allergic reactions, pomelo is no exception.

If one of the following symptoms occurs when using pomelo, you should give up the fruit:

• Redness of the eyes and watery eyes;
• Skin rash, itching;
• Runny nose, nasal congestion;
• Swelling;
• Stomach pain or discomfort.

It is noteworthy, however, that an allergic reaction can be caused not only by the components of the fruit itself, but also by the means with which the fruits are processed for better storage. So it is likely that citrus bought in Russia will cause allergies, but picked from a tree in the region of natural growth will not. However, we still do not recommend trying different fruits if an allergic reaction has been recorded once.

To prevent harm from the product, it is important to use it correctly. Since it contains a lot of acids, it should not be eaten on an empty stomach. Moreover, if there are certain diseases of the digestive tract, especially heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, pomelo is generally strictly prohibited for use.

In addition, doctors advise to give up the fruit for those who have diseases:

• Pancreas, since any fruit stimulates its activity, which is unnecessary in case of organ inflammation.
• Gallbladder - the presence of stones in it is especially dangerous, the product has a choleretic effect and can cause the stones to move and an attack.
• Liver - in this case, essential oils can have a negative toxic effect on a diseased liver.

You also need to remember that there are contraindications to the use of pomelo if the following groups of drugs are taken:

• Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Antibiotics;
• Antiviral;
• Antidepressants;
• Lowering blood pressure and blood sugar.

The effect here can be different. The phytosterols contained in the fruit can both reduce the effect of drugs and enhance them in a negative sense, which can lead to both banal eating disorders and serious symptoms - renal and hepatic failure, internal bleeding, etc.

In general, if you are healthy and do not use any medications, you can safely eat the fruit (just not on an empty stomach) and only benefit from it. Otherwise, the pomelo can be harmful.

How to choose the right pomelo?

Pomelo is not uncommon in Russia, you can buy fruit in many stores, even small ones. However, it is not so much the availability of the product itself that is important as its quality. How do you choose a pomelo to buy a really good fruit?

Pay attention to the following factors:

• Colour … The peel, depending on the variety, can have a different color, however, one way or another, it should be natural, this fruit is not as bright as other citrus fruits - orange, lemon or lime. If the pomelo is of a “green” variety, then its skin will be light green and somewhat whitish, if it is “orange”, this color should not be pronounced either. Too bright a shade prepares for excessive processing of the plant with chemicals.
• Hardness and elasticity … The fruit should be soft but firm. Hardness indicates that the fruit is unripe, and the lack of elasticity, that is, if dents remain when pressed, it indicates that it has already overripe and deteriorated.
• Peel … It should be matte and dry. Stickiness and oiliness are the result of improper storage, and excessive shine is the result of chemical processing. Especially carefully examine the top of the fruit, in this place the peel of the fruit is most resistant to improper and long-term storage. Squeeze the skin in this place, if it is punctured and does not return to its previous shape, the fruit is spoiled. Keep in mind that the fruit is generally softer in this part, so if you find that the whole fruit is firm, and at the top is soft, you do not need to refuse to buy, but it is still important that this part retains its elasticity and regains its shape after pressing.
• Smell … The citrus aroma should not be pronounced and obvious, but it should still be easy to catch. Extraneous odors, especially dampness and mold, should alert you, such a product is not worth buying.

Of course, you should be satisfied not only with the appearance, but also with the taste of the pomelo. But here a lot depends on the variety, so be sure to clarify what kind of variety is in front of you, so as not to be mistaken and get exactly the taste you want.

Let's take a look at the most popular pomelo varieties:

• Thongdi - the fruit is in the form of a ball, notable for the fact that its peel is dark green, and the flesh is pink. It is also juicy and very sweet.
• Khao paen - a fruit in the form of a flattened ball with a skin of yellow-green tones. The pulp is white, there is a clear sourness in it.
• Khao phuang - the fruit has the shape of a pear, yellow-green peel, but the pulp in this case is yellowish, sweet, with light notes of sourness.
• Khao horn - and again a yellow-green fruit, but this time with a transparent white and at the same time very sweet pulp.
• Khao namphung - this fruit is pear-shaped, with a sweet white-yellow flesh, the rind is, again, yellow-green.

However, in our stores we most often come across a special type of pomelo - Honey. The color of the peel is orange-yellow, in itself it is very thick, the weight of the fruit is at least 1.5 kg. The pulp is sweet with light notes of acidity and sometimes bitterness.

Note! It is important not only to buy a fresh high-quality pomelo, but also to properly store it at home. The fruit is large enough to be eaten in one go. Please note that the refined product can only be stored in the refrigerator and no more than a day. True, cling film can extend the shelf life. If you carefully wrap the fruit with it, then it will remain for 2-3 days. However, the longer the peeled fruit is stored, the more beneficial properties it loses. As for the unpeeled fruit, it must be stored separately from other fruits and no more than 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.

How is pomelo eaten?

Of course, the main answer to the question of how pomelo is eaten is eaten raw, but it is also actively used as an ingredient for a particular recipe. In either case, in order to get the maximum taste from the fruit, you need to learn how to properly clean the pomelo.

Here's how this procedure is performed step by step:

1. Cut off the top of the fruit, you can safely cut off the thickness of 2-4 centimeters.
2. Now peel all of the rind. At the same time, do not try to tear off the white films - this is unnecessary work.
3. When all the fruit has been peeled, cut it into wedges.
4. Carefully remove the transparent film from each wedge, along with it, the white films will easily come off - this is a much easier process than removing the film from an orange or lemon, since the pomelo is not so juicy.

Peeled slices can already be eaten, or you can add them to a particular dish.

Pomelo recipes

Pomelo is good at preparing unusual exotic dishes, which is understandable: after all, Asia gave us the fruit, therefore, in combination with typically Asian products - various seafood, hot spices - the citrus fruit is fully revealed. It is important to note that the product is rarely used for cooking hot dishes, like any citrus fruit, when heated it loses its juice, turning into a not very tasty product. This is why we recommend experimenting with only “cold” fruit in the kitchen.

Cold appetizers and pomelo tartars

There are many unusual recipes for pomelo dishes for us. Therefore, if you want to surprise yourself or your guests, be sure to prepare one of these interesting snacks:

1. Trout with citrus … To prepare this dish, you need a small fruit. It is necessary to cut off the top from the fruit and carefully remove the pulp without damaging the remaining peel. Chop any lightly salted fish (300 g), pomelo pulp (1 piece) and grapefruit (1 piece). Mix all ingredients, add pine nuts. Transfer the salad to the peel and serve the original appetizer.
2. Salmon tartare … Cut salmon (70 g) and avocado (70 g) into neat cubes. Remove the peel from the pomelo (80 g), free each slice from the films and pick randomly with your hands. Prepare "earth" from olives: for this they need to be dried in the oven at a low temperature so that they are like a biscuit, and then crushed. Boil the potatoes (30 g), mashed them, roll into balls and roll in the olives. Assemble the dish: mix all the ingredients, add olive oil, salt, lemon juice, herbs to taste.
3. White sea bass carpaccio … Cut the fish (100 g) into very thin slices, salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil. Prepare a sauce from olives (20 g), pomelo pulp (60 g), sun-dried tomatoes (20 g), olive oil (15 ml), lime juice (10 ml) - you need to mix all the ingredients until the mixture is as homogeneous as possible. Put the fish on plates, put the sauce on top, garnish with olives, herbs. You can also prepare the finest white bread croutons for the dish.
4. Chopped tuna with rice chips … Rice paper (1 sheet) - you can buy it in the Asian department, just like other exotic ingredients of this recipe - deep-fry or in a pan in a large amount of oil, cool and break into small chips. Cut tuna (70 g), pomelo (50 g) and avocado (70 g) into cubes. Drizzle with lime juice, salt and pepper. Prepare the sauce: Combine olive oil (10 ml), soy sauce (20 ml), yuzu juice (10 ml), fish broth (30 ml), rice sweet wine (20 ml), as well as salt, pepper, cilantro, lime juice, chili pepper (to taste). Place the ingredients in a small salad bowl and stir in the sauce.

Salads with pomelo

The most numerous category of recipes is pomelo salads. With this fruit, you can make both light and hearty salad; both warm and cold; both completely exotic - the ingredients for which you cannot always find in a regular store, and completely everyday:

1. Warm shrimp salad … Spread sesame seeds (1 tsp) on a baking sheet, put in an oven preheated to 180^OC, for 5-7 minutes. In the meantime, clean the pomelo (1 piece), divide into slices, remove each of the film, cut into 2-3 parts and do not forget to remove the bones, if any. Finely chop red chili (1 tsp), cilantro (20 g), garlic (1 clove), shallots (1 piece). Prepare a dressing: Combine lemon juice (70 ml) with sugar (4 tsp), fish sauce (2 tsp), chili and garlic. You can also add salt to the sauce to taste. Place the pork (120 g) in boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, then drain the water and cut the meat into thin strips. Boil shrimps (120 g) - put in boiling water for 2-3 minutes - you can, by the way, boil them together with pork, adding them a couple of minutes before the meat is ready. Heat the oil in a skillet, toss in the shallots and sauté until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to allow excess oil to glass. Combine all prepared foods, pour over the sauce and stir.
2. Vietnamese salad … Peel the mango (1 piece), chop into thin strips. Finely chop mint leaves (1 bunch) and cilantro (1 bunch). Chop the shallots (1 head), fry until golden brown and transfer to a paper towel. In the same skillet, cook shrimp (300 g). Crush the peanuts (2 tablespoons). Cut into slices of pomelo (1 piece), be sure to clean them of films. Prepare a dressing: mix water (100 ml) with sugar (2 tablespoons), add rice vinegar (3 tablespoons), fish sauce (3 tablespoons), finely chopped garlic (1 clove) and chili (to taste), as well as lime juice (from 1 piece). Mix all the ingredients, pour over the sauce.
3. Artichoke salad … Peel and slice the pomelo pulp (1 piece) and grapefruit (1 piece). Cut artichokes (100 g) into 5-6 pieces, pick any green salad with your hands (1 bunch). Mix honey (25 g), olive oil (2 tablespoons), add salt, pepper to taste, and grapefruit juice. Collect the salad - put all the ingredients in a plate, pour over the dressing, stir.
4. Spicy thai salad … Bring the water to a boil, pour the boiling water over the green beans (340 g) for a minute, and then change the water to cold. Place beans in a bowl, add chopped zucchini (1), shallots (1), pomelo (1), mint (35g). Prepare the sauce: in a mortar, crush the garlic (3 cloves), red pepper flakes (2 tsp), green chili (1 piece), add sugar (1 tbsp), fish sauce (1 tbsp), lime juice (1 tablespoon), mix all the ingredients well - the sugar should completely dissolve. Try the sauce, add one or another ingredient to taste. Pour the prepared ingredients with the sauce and eat.
5. Citrus salad in Russian … Boil chicken fillet (400 g), lightly fry in vegetable oil. Finely chop tomatoes (5 pieces), peppers (1 piece), pomelo (to taste). Finely chop the onion (2 pieces) and fry until golden brown in the same pan as the fillet, you can also add a little broth there. Combine finely chopped garlic (2 cloves), salt and dill to taste. Stir all ingredients, add canned corn (150 g). Season the salad with sour cream or mayonnaise and stir again.

Sweet food with pomelo

Citrus is perfect for making light but delicious desserts - salads, sorbets, candied fruits. It goes especially well with unambiguously sweet fruits - banana, peach, as well as herbs - mint, basil.

Try one of these pomelo recipes:

1. Light dessert with peach … Cut a banana (1 piece) into circles of 1-1.5 cm. Divide the pomelo (1/3 of a large fruit) into slices, peel off films, cut coarsely, do the same with a grapefruit (1 piece). Cut the peach (2 pieces) into thin slices. Chop mint (3 sprigs) and basil (2 sprigs). Prepare the sauce: Combine herbs, freshly squeezed orange juice (150 ml), lime (25 ml), ginger (15 ml), also add orange liqueur (1 tablespoon) if desired. Put the fruit in bowls or bowls, pour the sauce over the dessert. It can also be garnished with fresh raspberries or passionfruit pulp.
2. Candied peel … Cut the peel (from 1 fruit) into strips and put in a saucepan, cover with water. Soak in water for two days, changing the water twice every day. After soaking, rinse the pomelo well, cover with water, bring to a boil, cook for about 5 minutes. Drain, cool, squeeze out excess moisture. Pour water (500 ml) into the wok pan, add sugar (500 g), cook for 5 minutes, add the crust, stir and cook until the liquid is completely evaporated. Transfer the candied fruits to a wire rack and dry for another 5-8 hours.
3. Exotic sorbets … This dessert will require several exotic fruits: mangosteen (500 g), mango (500 g), pomelo (250 g), pineapple (250 g) - in all cases, the weight of the pulp is indicated. Peel all fruits, free from peels, films, bones. Whisk the mangosteen in a blender, then separately - mango and lemon juice (from 1 piece), and, finally, pineapple with pomelo and egg white (1 piece). Prepare syrup: mix coconut water (150 ml), sugar (18 tablespoons) and heat until the latter is completely dissolved. Divide the syrup into three parts, add one part to each sorbet, also add a pinch of salt and beat each fruit mass again. It remains to arrange the future dessert in ice cream tins and put it in the freezer. Stir the sorbet every 20 minutes for 3 hours, then leave to freeze without any intervention.

Interesting Pomelo Facts

Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit, its diameter can reach 25-30 cm, and its weight is 8-10 kg, but in our country you will not find such large fruits.

In China, the fruit is considered a symbol of prosperity and well-being; it is even given to each other for the New Year. In addition, citrus is not only widely used in cooking, but also used for various recipes of traditional medicine, religious rituals, and as a gift to spirits.

The citrus tree blooms very beautifully, the flowers resemble lilies and river water lilies taken together.

The fruit has several alternative names. It is often called "pumelo" and "sheddock" - the latter name is due to the fact that a captain named Sheddock brought the fruit to the West Indies in the 17th century. It is noteworthy that in China the fruit is simply called "yu".

Many believe that the pomelo is a hybrid, but this is incorrect information, this fruit has been known to mankind for many centuries. But grapefruit is a newcomer to the world of citrus fruits and is obtained precisely as a result of crossing a pomelo and an orange.

Watch a video about the properties of the pomelo:

Pomelo is a tasty and healthy product. In addition, it is low-calorie, and therefore afraid of it is not worth even losing weight. The fruit can be used to prepare many dishes - salads, original snacks, desserts, but it is not worth subjecting it to heat treatment. Pomelo has a beneficial effect on the health of everyone - men, women, children. However, it has contraindications and features of use, be sure to take them into account before introducing the fetus into the diet.