Sweet, tangy and juicy citrus fruit is in season right now -- it's probably one of the only good things to look forward to during the harsh winter season. You'll find supermarkets are abounding with boxes and bags of clementines, oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Grapefruits are an especially interesting citrus fruit. With a unique combination of sweet and tart tastes, they easily go from sweet to savory dishes to be enjoyed as appetizers, salads and desserts.
Grapefruits have actually been around since the 18th century. They're related to the pale-fleshed, thick-skinned pomelo, but offer much more juice and flavor. You can find grapefruits in white-, pink- and red-fleshed varieties. The United States is the leading producer of grapefruits with Texas being the most famous for growing Ruby Reds -- other varieties are grown in Florida, California and Arizona. If you're wondering about the name grapefruit, it references the fact that the fruit grows in grape-like clusters on the tree.
This collection of recipes shows off the versatility of grapefruits. Look for dishes like seared scallops with grapefruit, green salad with grapefruit, citrus fruit salad for dessert, and bruleed grapefruit for breakfast. You'll learn some new and interesting ways to utilize grapefruits -- and you may never eat them the same way again.
What's your favorite way to use grapefruits? Leave a comment below.
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Scallops With Grapefruit-Onion Salad
This elegant salad is simple to make. It combines seared scallops with juicy grapefruit segments and pickled cocktail onions. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with parsley leaves. Serve as an appetizer or light dinner.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/scallops-with-grapefruit-_n_1058672.html" target="_hplink">Scallops with Grapefruit-Onion Salad</a> recipe</strong>
Orange And Grapefruit Slices With Coconut
Segments of orange and grapefruit, tossed in sugar, with a topping of toasted coconut make up this simple dessert. Or enjoy it as a great start to any morning.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/orange-and-grapefruit-sli_n_1059540.html" target="_hplink">Orange and Grapefruit Slices with Coconut</a> recipe</strong>
Grapefruit Chicken Satay Salad
Most people know chicken satay as a snack or appetizer. But this recipe combines it with romaine lettuce and grapefruit segments to create a satisfying entree salad. Toss the chicken tenders in the spice mixture and broil. Reserve any grapefruit juice to incorporate into the peanut butter dressing.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grapefruit-chicken-satay-_n_1049827.html" target="_hplink">Grapefruit Chicken Satay Salad</a> recipe</strong>
Salty Chihuahua
Supposedly this cocktail was invented in the 1940s in Chihuahua, Mexico. So both the cocktail and the dog are named after the town! The cocktail combines tequila, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice. Don't forget to rim the glass with salt.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/salty-chihuahua_n_1061577.html" target="_hplink">Salty Chihuahua</a> recipe</strong>
Mixed Green Salad With Grapefruit And Cranberries
Tangy grapefruit juice is the base for the dressing in this salad recipe. The butter lettuce and baby spinach salad is studded with grapefruit segments, dried cranberries, hearts of palm and pine nuts. The salad is perfect for a dinner party appetizer or side dish, because it easily serves a crowd.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mixed-green-salad-with-gr_n_1062062.html" target="_hplink">Mixed Green Salad with Grapefruit and Cranberries</a> recipe</strong>
Grapefruit Brulee
Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg form the topping for this broiled grapefruit recipe. To slice the grapefruit, you'll want to start by trimming off all the rind and pith with a sharp knife, then slice crosswise to create rings. Serve for brunch or dessert.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grapefruit-brulee_n_1049853.html" target="_hplink">Grapefruit Brulee</a> recipe</strong>
Citrus-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
This creamy salad dressing is so versatile -- it can go on green salads or fruit salads. Lime, orange and grapefruit juices add a tangy flavor while honey balances it out. Poppy seeds add a bit of texture.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/citrus---poppy-seed-vinai_n_1058330.html" target="_hplink">Citrus-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette</a> recipe</strong>
Citrus Salad With Candied Ginger
Citrus fruit is wonderful for dessert, especially in this fruit salad. The recipe combines grapefruits, oranges and clementines. Toss the the citrus fruit in sugar to help bring out the juices. Add crystallized ginger and almonds for additional flavor and texture.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/citrus-salad-with-candied_n_1058331.html" target="_hplink">Citrus Salad with Candied Fruit</a> recipe</strong>
Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
Grapefruit works wonderfully with savory dishes. Here it's combined with avocado, shallot and cilantro to make a brightly flavored relish that goes well with grilled fish or meat. It's also nice as a taco topping.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/avocado-grapefruit-relish_n_1061552.html" target="_hplink">Avocado-Grapefruit Relish</a> recipe</strong>
Campari, Grapefruit And Pomegranate Cocktail
This wonderful aperitif starts with herbal Campari and includes tangy grapefruit juice and tart pomegranate juice. It would make a nice cocktail to pair with Sunday brunch.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/campari-grapefruit--pom_n_1061733.html" target="_hplink">Campari, Grapefruit and Pomegranate Cocktail</a> recipe</strong>
Seafood Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette
Seafood and citrus fruit pair extremely well together. This healthy salad features scallops and crab meat tossed with romaine salad and grapefruit segments. Don't discard the grapefruit juice -- use it in the dressing.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/seafood-salad-with-citrus_n_1049185.html" target="_hplink">Seafood Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette</a> recipe</strong>
Pink Grapefruit-Tarragon Sorbet
Tarragon has a sweet anise flavor that works well with savory and sweet dishes, including this sweet-tart grapefruit sorbet. The recipe includes a bit of cranberry juice for striking color and a splash of vodka, which helps create a better frozen texture.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/pink-grapefruit-tarragon-_n_1062518.html" target="_hplink">Pink Grapefruit-Tarragon Sorbet</a> recipe</strong>
Spinach Salad With Citrus And Roasted Beets
Most spinach salad recipes call for baby spinach, but this recipe uses curly spinach, which works better at holding the mustard dressing. Grapefruit and tangerine segments along with different colored roasted beats add lots of flavor.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/spinach-salad-with-citrus_n_1061068.html" target="_hplink">Spinach Salad with Citrus and Roasted Beets</a> recipe</strong>
WATCH: Cabbage And Grapefruit Salad With Sauteed Shrimp
Marcus Samuelsson prepares a refreshing salad of Napa cabbage, grapefruit, peanuts, chilies, ginger and sardines. It's all topped off with sauteed shrimp.
<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cabbage-and-grapefruit-sa_n_1057173.html" target="_hplink">Cabbage and Grapefruit Salad with Sauteed Shrimp</a> recipe</strong>
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First Posted: 01/19/2012 11:31 am Updated: 08/31/2012 10:48 am