Grapefruit zest: composition and calorie content, why the product is useful, in which cases it is better not to eat it. How to use the peel of a bittersweet citrus fruit in cooking. Interesting facts about the product. It is noteworthy that among the many products recommended for weight loss, grapefruit is one of the few for which its effectiveness in the fight against obesity has been scientifically proven. San Diego dietitians have done a pretty big study. They divided the group of volunteers into two parts, each of them ate according to their usual non-dietary menu. At the same time, one group added half a grapefruit to the diet, while the second did not consume the fruit. As a result, after four months of research, each member of the first group lost at least 2 kilograms, and the entire second group remained at the same weight. Yes, the progress can hardly be called impressive, but do not forget that, apart from eating the fruit, the subjects did not take any other measures to combat excess weight.
By the way, the level of insulin and glucose in the blood was also measured in the subjects before and after the study, as a result, in the first group, the corresponding indicators significantly decreased, which proved the effectiveness of the product in the prevention of diabetes mellitus.
Contraindications to the use of grapefruit zest
The rich chemical composition of the product provides not only its exceptional benefits, but also the presence of a considerable number of contraindications. That is why it is important to be careful when eating grapefruit zest, only in this case you can get the maximum benefit and eliminate negative consequences.
First of all, it should be said that the product has pronounced allergenic properties, and therefore it must be carefully introduced into the diet of children and allergy sufferers.
In addition, it should be noted that grapefruit zest should not be eaten simultaneously with many medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, etc. If you are taking any pills, you should first consult with your doctor before introducing the product into the diet.
Prior consultation with a doctor to obtain permission to consume grapefruit zest is also required if you:
- Are pregnant;
- Breastfeeding;
- Have acute or chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- Other acute or chronic illnesses.
In addition, do not forget that it is not recommended for anyone to abuse the product in order to avoid various unpleasant symptoms. Many sources indicate that it can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. In addition, there are studies by American scientists claiming that the constant intake of grapefruit in menopausal women increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The evidence base for the facts mentioned is not presented, but it does not interfere with being careful.
Recipes with grapefruit zest
The use of grapefruit zest in recipes, as well as the peel of other citrus fruits, began relatively recently. These "spices" gained popularity only in the Middle Ages. Until now, culinary specialists have been alarmed by their too strong smell and tart taste.
Today, grapefruit zest is used very actively in kitchens around the world, and its place is found both in the preparation of savory dishes - soups, meats, salads, and in the creation of delicious desserts - jelly, pastries, sweets. Also, on the basis of the zest, various tinctures are made, in addition, pieces of citrus fruit peel are added to tea to obtain a unique aroma and invigorating taste.
Grapefruit zest will add exotic notes to any dish, and the usual recipe will sparkle with new colors. However, if you have not used this "spice" in your kitchen before, we recommend starting with proven dishes:
- Citrus muffin … Combine flour (2 cups) with baking powder (1 teaspoon) and salt (0.5 teaspoon). Separately combine sugar (300 grams), softened butter (6 tablespoons) and cream cheese (200 grams), beat all the ingredients with a mixer or blender - you should get a fluffy homogeneous mass. Add eggs (2 pieces), zest (2 tablespoons), vanilla (1 teaspoon) and sunflower oil (50 ml), beat again. Add milk (150 ml) and gradually add flour. Grease a baking dish with oil, transfer the dough into it and bake at 180 degrees for about an hour. Serve the dessert ideally with grapefruit juice glaze. To make the frosting, squeeze citrus juice (1 cup), put on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, add powdered sugar (250 grams), salt (on the tip of a knife) and mix thoroughly.
- Sea salad with grapefruit … Prepare a marinade with olive oil (2 tablespoons), grapefruit juice and zest (from half of the fruit), a mixture of peppers and sea salt (to taste). Place the thawed ready-made seafood mixture in the marinade for 15-20 minutes. Preheat a skillet and sauté the seafood for a couple of minutes on each side. Prepare the sauce: Combine olive oil (2 tablespoons) with garlic (1 clove) and grapefruit juice (from the other half of the fruit). Slice the grapefruit pulp (from one fruit), peeling it off. Tear lettuce leaves with your hands, mix with seafood and grapefruit, pour over the sauce.
- Turkey in citrus marinade … Turkey fillet, preferably from the thigh (800 grams), cut into portions. Prepare the marinade: Combine grapefruit zest (from one fruit), garlic (4 cloves), ground paprika (to taste) and olive oil (50-70 ml). Rub the marinade over the meat and leave for at least half an hour. Transfer the turkey to a baking dish, add the bay leaf and bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes. Prepare the sauce: put in a saucepan cranberries (200 grams), sugar (100 grams), orange zest (1 teaspoon), nutmeg, black pepper and ginger (0.5 teaspoon each), salt (1 teaspoon), starch (1 tablespoon), pour in water (1 glass). Bring the mixture to a boil, cook for 15-20 minutes. Cool and serve with meat. An ideal side dish is mashed potatoes.
- Grapefruit sorbet … Mix water (100 ml) and sugar (200 grams) in a small saucepan, put it on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. Cool, add grapefruit zest (1 teaspoon), squeezed grapefruit juice (from 3 fruits), vodka (1 tablespoon) and grenadine syrup (1 teaspoon). Pour sorbet into ice cube trays, send to freezer for 4-5 hours - stir every 15 minutes until solidified.
- Hollandaise sauce by Gordon Ramsay … The sauce is prepared in a water bath. Place in a container egg yolks (3 pieces), coriander (1 teaspoon), grapefruit zest (1 tablespoon) and juice (100 ml). Stir the sauce constantly to get perfect consistency. After 3-5 minutes, remove from heat, add olive oil (3 tablespoons), check if there is enough seasoning, add if necessary.
As you can see, the zest of grapefruit opens up a large field for experimentation. And the recipes described are just the beginning. If you like the unique flavor that a product gives to your food, don't stop with these examples. Make it part of your diet and enjoy the benefits of exotic citrus zest.
Interesting facts about grapefruit
Alan Hirsch, a neuropathologist, psychiatrist and fellow at the Chicago Smell and Taste Research Foundation, discovered an interesting feature of the smell of grapefruit. Through a series of special tests, he found that the scent of this citrus fruit makes men see women 5-6 years younger. It is noteworthy that no opposite effect was found.
Grapefruit, which means "grape fruit" in translation, got its name due to the specific features of the location of the fruits during growth - they "huddle" closely to each other, as a result of which the illusion of a vine is created.
For a long time, grapefruit trees were used only for decorative purposes.
Grapefruit fruits have different colors, however, the red ones are considered the most useful - they contain the maximum concentration of vitamins and other substances necessary for the human body.
The first written mention of a citrus with a bitter taste dates back to 1750 - the famous Welsh botanist priest Griffiths Hughes wrote about it. However, Hughes called it not known to everyone today, but "the forbidden fruit." A little later, the fruit was called "little sheddock" because it looked like a pomelo, which was previously called sheddock in honor of the English captain Sheddock, who brought the fruit to Barbados in the 17th century.
Grapefruit received its current name only in 1814, and already in 1880 this culture was incredibly popular and by the beginning of the 20th century took a leading place in the world fruit market.
Watch a video about grapefruit:
Grapefruit zest is a product containing a large amount of biologically active substances. This explains its exceptional benefits, and at the same time imposes certain restrictions on the use of the product. But if you are not one of those for whom it is prohibited, be sure to introduce it into your diet - your body will say thank you!
