The grapefruit, scientifically known as Citrus × paradisi, is a subtropical citrus fruit believed to be a hybrid between pomelo and sweet orange. It’s known for its tangy and slightly bitter taste, varying in color from pink to red and yellow. Grapefruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and are commonly consumed fresh, juiced, or used in various culinary dishes and beverages due to their unique flavor profile. Similar to pomelos, grapefruits contain phytochemicals that have the potential for drug interactions.
Pomelos and grapefruits, though closely related, have some distinct differences:
Size: Pomelos are typically larger than grapefruits. They can range from the size of a small melon to as large as a basketball, while grapefruits are generally smaller.
Taste: Pomelos tend to have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to grapefruits. Grapefruits often have a tangy, slightly bitter taste that can vary from sweet to sour.
Color: Pomelos have a thicker, pale green to yellow rind, while grapefruits usually have thinner skin that ranges in color from yellow to pink or red.
Segments: Pomelos often have thicker, drier membranes between their segments compared to grapefruits, making them a bit more challenging to peel and separate.
Usage: Pomelos are commonly eaten fresh or used in salads and desserts. Grapefruits are consumed similarly but are also often used for their juice and in various culinary recipes.
Nutritional Content: Both fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but their exact nutritional profiles can vary slightly. Pomelos tend to have slightly fewer calories and less sugar than grapefruits.
While they share similarities due to their common ancestry, these differences in size, taste, appearance, and usage distinguish pomelos from grapefruits.
In Odisha (Kamalaa, କମଳା, khataa phal, tebhaa, Kandhia etc.), a state in eastern India, grapefruits, commonly known as “grapefruit” or “chakotra,” are cultivated and consumed. While not as extensively grown as some other fruits, grapefruits are appreciated for their tangy flavor and health benefits. These fruits are often consumed fresh or juiced in households. They’re valued for their nutritional content and are seen as a healthy addition to diets due to their high vitamin C content and antioxidants. In some regions, grapefruits might also be used in local culinary preparations, though their usage might not be as prevalent as in regions where they are more abundantly grown.
In the context of religious or cultural practices specific to Odisha, grapefruits has a lot of significance in Hindu religion. The festivals coming under Sarat ritu (autumn season) such as Dyuti bahan Osha, Durga Ashtami, bhai jiutia etc. this fruit is used for offering to God. As it has high aromatic value with refreshing fragrance this is often used in Tanka Torani, a prasad in Jagannath temple, Puri. It is often consumed with salt and chilli with water-rice(Pakhaala) However, their availability in markets contributes to the variety of fruits accessible to locals and their dietary choices.
