What is a Pomelo and How to Eat One?
If you haven’t tried the glorious pomelo, it’s time to give it a chance. Pomelos are an incredibly under-appreciated member of the citrus family. They look like larger grapefruits, but they certainly are their own creation and worth a try. Learning What is a Pomelo and How to Eat One will change your life.
My best pomelo memories are taking one of these to work when I was nursing. I used to work the night shift and so loved cracking into one of these at 2:00 or 3:00 am. I would share this with my colleagues and everyone loved it when I would bring one in.
It is so refreshing and makes you come alive again. The best part about pomelos is that they’re relatively mess free. They aren’t as juicy as a grapefruit so they don’t make the same kind of a mess.
What is a Pomelo?
A fruit that goes by many names; pomelos are also called pompelmoes, shaddock or pummelos. These delicious citrus fruits originated in South and Southeast Asia.
They were given the name of shaddock in the Caribbean after the captain of the East India Company ship that first introduced pomelos to the west.
Pomelo is the largest out of all the citrus fruits with a close relation to grapefruit. The large size can make them look intimidating, but the truth is they aren’t at all.
A lot of the size is the rind and the thick membrane surrounding the fruit itself. Unlike with other citrus fruits, the membrane of the pomelo is extremely bitter and considered inedible.
Ripe tasty sweet pomelo fruit
These large citrus fruits are either round or oval in shape and have a rind that ranges in color from green to yellow with a textured rind. Filled with a creamy white, bright pink or somewhere in between pulpy core, pomelos have a thicker pith than most other varieties of citrus fruit.
Pomelos can either be filled with seeds, have very few or none at all.
In Southeast Asia, pomelos are often served as desserts but they also garnish salads with them. A popular way to serve pomelos is with a salt mixture on top to cut the sweetness of the fruit.
Pomelos are the largest member of the citrus family (which is why their Latin name is Citrus Maxima – literally the biggest citrus). Like other citrus fruits, pomelos are high in vitamin C. Depending on the variety, pomelos can weigh between 2 and 4 pounds!
What Does a Pomelo Taste Like?
The flavour of a pomelo is very much like the grapefruit, but much milder. Pomelos are sweeter and don’t carry that tangy, bitterness that can be associated with grapefruit.
They are often less juicy though again, that depends on the variety as some can be juicier than others.
Buying a Pomelo
The best time to purchase pomelos is between the months of November and March. They can be found in most grocery stores or Asian and Latin markets.
Pomelos are a staple fruit in many Chinese and Japanese diets so if there’s a Chinese or Asian market in your neighborhood, chances are they’ll have pomelos.
When trying to buy a pomelo, look for yellow to pale green fruits that are heavy for their size and feel firm to the touch. Avoid soft, dull-colored fruits that look dried out.
Blemishes are ok but you don’t want to choose one that gives easy to applied pressure.
Store your pomelo in the refrigerator so it can last up to 1 week.
How To Cut a Pomelo
First, you need to carefully cut the cap or top off a pomelo with a sharp knife. The outer peel of the pomelo can be tough.
Then, starting at the cut end, you need to make vertical slices around the pomelo. Eight to ten cuts should do it.
How to Eat a Pomelo
Remove the thick rind and peel the membrane from around each segment. You can score the rind as it is then easier to peel.
You don’t eat the membrane-like you would an orange or grapefruit but just the flesh inside.
Pomelos are great in salsas, salads, marinades, juiced, made into jam or just right out of your hand.
Enjoy them the same way that you would enjoy any of your favorite citrus fruits. In fact, you can even use the peel in marmalades or candy it and use it as a garnish.
Another popular way to serve pomelo is to roast it in the oven, with some unsalted butter on top.
If you have a recipe that calls for grapefruit, oranges, or even pineapples you can substitute a pomelo instead.
There are many ways to enjoy a pomelo. If you haven’t tried one as of yet, now is the time! Make it a family affair and have everyone try apiece. They’ll be asking for more in no time!
Also, check out some great citrus recipes like Mascarpone Key Lime Mini Pies, Lavender Lemonade and Oranges en Surprise which is all great for spring and summer!!
Amy says
Wow, these are much larger than I expected! They have such a thick skin but citrus like interior. I would love to add it to my bucket list of things to try.
Tony says
Had my first one today…AMAZING.
So much better than a grapefruit, and a soft sweet taste…I’m hooked
Tara Noland says
I know eh?! We just love them!
Mama to 6 Blessings says
Wow that is huge! I have never heard of pomelo before, it sounds nice and refreshing!
Claudia Krusch says
I’ve never heard of this fruit before, but love that is not so bitter like grapefruit. Can’t wait to try it!
Scott says
I had never even heard of one, much less tasted it. Now I’m curious about it – have to see if I can find some locally!
krystal says
My husband LOVES these but I never buy them. I need to look harder for fresh produce, they are good!
Belinda Ketchum says
This fruit reminds me of a citrus fruit called “ja-bong” , which is also large, similar rind but lite yellow on the inside and a bit tangy like a grapefruit.
Tara Noland says
It is the same fruit Belinda it is just called that in Hawaii, still a pomelo!
Daniel Baker says
I had experienced this fruit in the phippines in 1977 and it seems the called it something SOUNDING close to sheshu. May have been a territorial name, around Iba. Anyone?
Tara Noland says
I have seen it called Shaddock but not Sheshu, could be very localized in the name though.
Ray says
In Tagalog (or Filipino language), pomelo is called Suha.
Patty says
I got one today very good,I need to find a better way to cut it but it didn’t let me down.
Tara Noland says
I am jealous, just love them!!
Dick Reed says
I just bought 5 pomelos. Hiway 95 just east of Yuma. A very nice Mexican family
has a fruit and veggie stand on the north side of 95. These pomelos are sweet and verry
juicy. $1.50 each. ENJOY
Tara Noland says
I am so glad you are enjoying them. I love when they are super sweet and juicy. Great price too!
Jessica says
I can’t wait to go find one and give it a try! Thanks! Totally adding to my next fruit salad.
Gabriel Rojas says
I bought a house last year that has a pomelo tree in the back yard. Although I had known about pomelos my whole life, the first time ever trying one was last year when one fell off the tree. The pomelos on my tree are HUGE! Mine are easily 2 lbs and some could be close to the maximum of 4 lbs. There is very little “fruit” inside and it isn’t the most pleasant thing I’ve ever tasted but I now use them for juicing and for cocktails like greyhounds using these instead of grapefruit. They’re also good for putting into smoothies or juices.
Tara Noland says
I bet they would be great in a Greyhound!! How fun to have a pomelo tree!!
Atul kumar says
Hi everybody. I have this fruit at my home here in India. if any body wish to have it they can contact me. my cell number is 9574699983
Geoff Monks says
Aldi stock them from early November, ie. Next week in the UK!
Tara Noland says
Woohoo!! Enjoy!!
Dorothea McShane Kelly says
Available in Mark & Spencers
Tara Noland says
Where do you live Dorothea?
Corine Van Holten says
I love Pomelo . It’s a very fat free snack. I peel it completely. After eating it, feel full. I first notice this fruit in “Traded Joe’s and recently found it at Stop and shop. I love it, love it
Tara Noland says
Yes, it is a great snack and takes some work to get into but so worth it!! We love it here!!
Anne says
I hadn’t heard of pumellos until 2 days ago, a friend gave me one to try. It is really good, just like a very mild grapefruit and really delicious. Today I bought 3!
Tara Noland says
You can get addicted quickly, we think they are lovely!!