Grapefruit, raw, white, California
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
The raw white California grapefruit is a citrus fruit with a pale, creamy-yellow rind and a juicy, segmented interior. Its flavor is a distinctive balance of sweet and tart, with a refreshing, slightly bitter finish that sets it apart from other citrus. Nutritionally, it is exceptionally low in calories, providing a modest amount of carbohydrates and a touch of protein, making it a light, hydrating snack.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 89% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its unique sweet-tart flavor profile that is both invigorating and satisfying, often enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a palate cleanser. Its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, from salads to cocktails, makes it a beloved ingredient in many cuisines.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its potential to interact with certain medications, particularly statins, due to compounds like furanocoumarins that inhibit enzymes. For those concerned, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider and consider consuming grapefruit at a different time of day from medication. Additionally, its acidity can be harsh on sensitive teeth or digestive systems, so rinsing with water after eating and consuming in moderation can help.
Key benefits
- Low-calorie, hydrating fruit ideal for weight management.
- Good source of vitamin C, supporting immune function.
- Contains antioxidants like lycopene and naringenin.
- Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- May support digestive health due to its water content.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'white' California grapefruit is not truly white but a pale yellow, and it was originally a hybrid between the pomelo and the sweet orange, discovered in Barbados in the 18th century.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 89.6 g |
| Energy | 37.0 kcal |
| Energy | 155 kj |
| Protein | 0.88 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.10 g |
| Ash | 0.35 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 9.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 12.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.08 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 9.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 12.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 143 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.07 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 33.3 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 0.27 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.28 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 12.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 12.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 10.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.01 g |
| Threonine | 0.01 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.01 g |
| Leucine | 0.02 g |
| Lysine | 0.02 g |
| Methionine | 0.01 g |
| Cystine | 0.01 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.05 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.01 g |
| Valine | 0.02 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.01 g |
| Alanine | 0.03 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.16 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.23 g |
| Glycine | 0.02 g |
| Proline | 0.07 g |
| Serine | 0.03 g |
FAQ
Is white grapefruit the same as pink or red grapefruit?
No, white grapefruit has a pale yellow rind and flesh with a more tart and slightly bitter flavor, while pink and red varieties are sweeter and less acidic due to higher lycopene content.
Can I eat grapefruit if I'm on medication?
Grapefruit can interfere with many medications, including statins and some blood pressure drugs, by affecting how they are metabolized. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming grapefruit if you take prescription medications.
How do I select a good grapefruit?
Choose grapefruits that are heavy for their size, indicating juiciness, with smooth skin and a slight give when pressed. Avoid fruits with soft spots or a dull, shriveled appearance.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.37 kcal/g · 10% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.00 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.