The grapefruit is believed to be a Barbadian invention, not having existed prior to the 18th Century. A large citrus fruit known as a shaddock was brought to the Caribbean from Polynesia. This shaddock was then crossed with the orange (or a citrus!) to produce what we now call a "grapefruit".

With a slightly acidic and bitter taste, the "white" grapefruit takes its name from the color of its flesh. There are also pink or ruby grapefruits and the blood pummelo, which are sweeter.

Varieties

Oroblancos are a cross between a white grapefruit and an acidless pummelo. Early in the season they can be readily identified by their bright green exterior. With this variety, green is good. As the season progresses, green turns to golden yellow. In either case the Oroblanco is ripe, sweet, and ready to eat. Oroblancos are as big or bigger than a medium sized grapefruit, generally round to flat round, with a slightly thicker rind than a grapefruit. The most notable characteristic of an Oroblanco is the flavor. It eats sweet and the flesh lacks the bitterness sometimes associated with grapefruit. Those that have sampled them describe the flavor as a grapefruit with the sugar already added. Oroblancos are available from the end of October to mid April.

Melogolds, a close cousin to the Oroblanco, are also a cross between a white grapefruit and an acidless pummelo. Like the Oroblancos, they sport a bright green exterior early in the season, and, as the season progresses, the green changes to a golden yellow. No matter what the color, the Melogold is ripe, sweet, and ready to eat. Melogolds are much bigger than a medium sized grapefruit and usually have a thicker rind than a grapefruit. Its sweet flavor is the most notable characteristic of a Melogold. Like the Oroblanco, Melogolds eat sweet and lack the bitterness sometimes associated with grapefruit. In fact, many say it tastes like a grapefruit with the sugar already sprinkled on top. Melogolds are available from December to mid April.

Thanks to Sunkist for their kind assistance