Looking to peel and segment grapefruit to get to the delicious pulp? Using these tips, you can peel a bunch in no time.
We love grapefruit and fortunately, we have a great supply from our trees. But I’ve noticed that my kids often grab oranges or apples because they’re easier to eat.
So I started peeling and segmenting a bunch of grapefruit at a time and just keeping a big bowl of grapefruit sections in the refrigerator. Problem solved!
You’ll need to use a sharp knife for this! I use my husband’s fish fillet knife since it’s always sharp.
How to Easily Peel and Segment a Grapefruit
- Cut the stem end and the blossom end off the grapefruit. Be sure you cut thick enough to see the pulp.
- Cut the rest of the peel off in slices. You’ll need to curve your knife around the grapefruit, don’t just cut straight down.
- Use the knife to remove any remaining pith (the white stuff between the peel and pulp)
- Gently push thumbs into the center of the grapefruit and pull it into two halves.
- Remove the membrane from a section and discard it.
- Remove the pulp section and put it in the bowl.
- Continue removing the membrane and pulp until each section is peeled.
This technique works really great with fresh grapefruit. It becomes a little trickier with older grapefruit.
If you’re doing a lot of grapefruit, use a cutting board that has a well to catch the juices.
I don’t worry too much about the pulp that gets cut off with the peel. Usually someone in my family comes along while I’m doing this and takes care of it for me…lol.
The grapefruit looks amazing. Yummy! I bought a bag from the store. I can’t believe how expensive citrus is. Ugh!
I know, even here I think it’s expensive. And yet as you drive around you see all kinds of citrus trees with fruit that is just dropping because no one is eating it. The usual excuse is that there’s too many seeds…crazy.
I know. My kids are always complaining about seeds in fruit. Seriously? It gets ridiculous. In Europe, they eat the cores of apples and pears.
Ha! I actually have a grapefruit spoon. I used to use the grapefruit knife from Pampered Chef. I have four of the! I prefer the spoon. It’s funny, I am craving a grapefruit again. Yummy!
We love grapefruit! Just the other day I found 18-pound bags of grapefruit at Wal-Mart for $2.96 per bag! This was the first time I have ever found grapefruit this cheap. We have been feasting on them each day; my favorite way to eat them is to peel like an orange, tear back the inside skin and eat the pulp. Yum!
That is an amazing price! Our friend who grows the grapefruit said that she had grapefruit in refrigerator all the way until June last year. She said the peel dried out but the inside was fine. So you might want to stock up.
I have to laugh because I tried my grapefruit like this just this morning. It was so hard! (smile) I guess I’m just determined to do it the hard way. 🙂
Are you serious???? LOL. You have to use a really sharp knife, or just do it the way you like.
OH MY YUMNESS! That looks like the world’s best grapefruit! Grapefruit is so delicious! Peeling it and keeping sections in the fridge is a great idea!
They are!
Looks wonderful!! And yummy. I actually cut up the entire or 1/2 of grapefruit and add to smoothie.
When eating, I actually cut in half; cut into slices (with rind on, after thorough washing); and dip in plain greek style yogurt. Actually delicious.
If for any reason, I do not feel ‘right’ about the rind, I just cut it off, but leave the white pulp which is loaded with nutrients and vitamin C.
Those are great tips, Wendy! Thanks so much for sharing. The rind and pith is sooooo bitter. But I do dehydrate it and use it for teas with other herbs.
I have an antique set of the most wonderfully efficient grapefruit spoons that I inherited! They are designed with a ridged fluting flaring out from the base. In my teens I used them every day when on the then popular grapefruit diet. I love grapefruit, especially the pink ones.