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.
We love talking about exotic fruits, like Dragon Fruit, Persimmons, or Lychee, and how to use them.
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 other citrus fruits, the membrane of the pomelo is extremely bitter and considered inedible.
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 flavor 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!!
Comments & Reviews
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!
Flora says
Just got our first shipment of pomelos and LOVE them! Learned that they predate the grapefruit – which is a cross between a pomelo and an orange. Can wait to bake with them!
Tara Noland says
Enjoy!!
Deb Harden says
Here’s where to buy them and not break the bank. https://www.pearsonranch.com/california-pomelos/
There’s also MiamiFruit.Org $$$$
and TropicalFruitBox.com $$$
You can only buy them in the winter month’s usually.
Tara Noland says
Yes, that is when they are in season!
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!
Myron says
Being on a Staten drug do you not eat a pomelo as you don’t eat a grapefruit?
Anne Marie H says
I’d love to know the answer to your question too …my hubby enjoys grapefruit but he takes meds for hypertension, so he’s been warned to only eat grapefruit 12 hours before or after taking his hypertension meds.
Tara Noland says
It is true, certain medications can be affected by pomelos just like grapefruit. Again ask your doctor for clarification.
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!
Regi says
I bought my first one in Whole Foods. I was calling it Grapefruit. Yes it is dryer than grapefruit, but sweeter. My only problem is that I Don want to throw away the membrane. So, I ate some of it. Not bitter at all. What else can do?
Tara Noland says
Maybe try something like this? https://erecipe.com/recipe/candied-pomelo-peel/
Deborah chisom says
I have it in my house
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.
Charity says
Apparently a sailor named Shaddock brought it to Jamaica and there it was then called Shaddock.
Tara Noland says
That is another interesting tidbit about pomelo, love them!
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!!
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng says
I just bought 5 lbs of pomelos! Woot!
Tara Noland says
Woot, woot!! Enjoy!!
Roger Sroka says
Had our first Pomelo today and loved the taste and texture.
We live near Chicago and saw them for the first time at our Mariano’s for $1.79 each.
I had no idea what we were buying but never pass up a chance to try something new.
Not knowing what we were getting into I cut off both ends and sliced off the rind after I saw how thick it was. Then proceeded to slice down the membrane on each side of the fruity part and ate the slices.
It was a lot of fun and when I was alone in the kitchen the fruit was like pages in a book which I attacked with my mouth using my teeth to scrape the fruit off of the membrane. Delicious!
These will be a regular over the winter in our household!
Tara Noland says
Aren’t they great? My daughter just had one and didn’t share a bit. Need to buy more again as we love them!
Gloria says
Tried this for the first time today and it’s amazing will be buying more.
Tara Noland says
They are addictive! I have one in my fruit bowl right now to enjoy!
Eric Hardwood says
These are called pummelos in our area. They are found very abundant here. You have shared a very clean method of eating this. I have been peeling it in the wrong way. 😀
Thanks for the Guide!
Tara Noland says
Gosh, I love them Eric, glad I was of assistance. Enjoy!!
Michael Jordan says
Wow, when I first saw this fruit, I really was intimated. But upon reading this article, I gained the courage to finally try this riveting fruit. I tasted it, and let me tell you my life has changed. This is truly a gift from the Lord himself. I am truly astounded that I have not tried this fruit before. My dog ate this fruit and he was brought back to life for the second time, after he was hit by the semi truck back in 2015. Thank you to those who recommended this. I have finally gained the will to live again.
Tara Noland says
Wow, you really liked this fruit. We do find them very amazing too! Our daughter loves them too.
Kathy Chigbrow says
We live in Northern California and in 2004 planted a “grapefruit” tree. When it started to produce we were very disappointed in the huge fruit with a thick rind. For 10+ years we discarded the fruit. Then in 2020 I realized it was a Pomelo tree and shared the fruit with a person on the neighborhood blog Nextdoor. She raved about them.
My husband brought some fallen fruit in yesterday and was going to throw it in our garden waste. Instead I decided to try it.
I cut it in half like a grapefruit, cutting between the membranes. Delicious. I ate both halves. I have now printed the recipe for Candied Pomelo Peel. Excited to try that too.
Tara Noland says
So glad you are now enjoying them, we love them!! Great story too!!
Barbara Montague says
Do you know if it is okay to eat these if you take blood pressure medicine?I can’t eat grapefruits, but love them. This might be a terrific substitute.
Tara Noland says
It depends on the actual medication you are on. I would check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Jo says
Don’t know if you ever come back to this site, but THANK YOU for mentioning this. Both husband & I are both on BP meds. We aren’t big grapefruit fans, but I had thought about trying these becuz of them being sweeter. … After yours & Tara’s comment & a google to read FDA info, sadly, I’ll pass. — Don’t want to chance liking it enough to get us in trouble!! I don’t need MORE temptation! Lol
BUT, I WILL suggest it to others without BP meds!
Tara Noland says
It is too bad as they are a glorious fruit. If you ever get a chance to try a little bit I would, maybe not sit and eat an entire one as they are huge.
Fiona says
Came here as we have a pomelo tree in the garden that has been overly productive this year. Thank you for the tips! Might try it as a gin garnish too 😂
Tara Noland says
Good idea with the gin!! Enjoy your pomelos, I am jealous.
Myron says
Being on a Staten drug do you not eat a pomelo as you don’t eat a grapefruit?
Tara Noland says
Yes, certain drugs can be affected by pomelos just like grapefruits.
Amy Hollon says
We have a pomelo tree. And the fruit are very large and sweet. I normally give mine away to friends and family
Tess says
Pomelos are great for anyone who needs help keeping regular. I would not recommend eating a whole.pomelo, the effect could be frightening. 2-4 segments per day should be your max. They are full of fibre. This fruit works better than papaya or pitaya.
Thomas Wall says
First time having one of these.
I like exploring new foods. Sometimes more successfully than others 🙂
These where a Success !!!
Make sure you cut the pointy end off enough till you can see the edge of the fruit
Than – tip it with that edge so that it gives you a level bottom support
Cut the fruit lengthwise wise to give you wedges of whatever size you like.
More solid and less sour than a grapefruit.
Much larger, and very much better than a melon!
(( Though often about the same size ))
I am really excited to have found this new wonderful fruit.
Thomas Wall
Owner
#PremiumPetSitting
Tara Noland says
So glad you are enjoying them, they are an amazing fruit.