Pomelo - Citrus maxima

Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis, produces very large, green-yellow, round fruits (15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in diameter) with a flattened base. They require a lot of heat over a long period to ripen. The flesh is acidic and bitter. This citrus forms a large tree, reaching 10 m (33ft) high when grown in the ground. It produces large white flowers with a sweet fragrance and has glossy dark green evergreen foliage. Grapefruits can be used to make delicious vitamin-rich fruit salads, even in winter. It is not very hardy and dies below -7°C (19.4°F). It can be grown in a large container and stored in a greenhouse during winter, or grown in the ground in warm regions that are not affected by severe frost.

Citrus maxima has fruits in clusters on the branches. It is probably native to Malaysia and mainly grows in regions with an equatorial or Mediterranean climate today. Do not confuse it with the Pomelo, which is a cross between Citrus maxima and Citrus sinensis (Citrus (x) paradisi) and originates from Barbados. It is widely cultivated, especially in China, and is sold as Chinese Grapefruit or Pomelo in our markets.

This large-sized bush belongs to the Rutaceae family. Its habit is naturally rounded. It can reach a height of 10 m (33ft) and spread about 4 m (13ft) when grown in the ground, in favourable growing conditions. Its growth will of course be more limited in a pot. The young branches are hairy, then become smooth over time. Citrus maxima blooms abundantly in March-April. It produces large flowers for a citrus tree. They are white, star-shaped, divinely fragrant, and arranged in clusters. They give way to very large round fruits, ranging in diameter from 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in). The relatively thick skin is green, turning yellow when ripe in warm climates, and has a smooth appearance. The pulp of the fruit, which is pink-red and translucent, is acidic and bitter. The fruits are harvested in spring in our climates. The large, evergreen, leathery, and aromatic leaves of this citrus tree often have a petiole with a small wing.

Grapefruit can be consumed fresh or as an appetiser, as a dessert, and of course in the form of juice. This fruit is also known for its fortifying, alkalizing, purifying, and digestion-facilitating properties. It is also a beautiful ornamental bush in very mild climates: with its superb deep green and shiny foliage, clusters of large pink fruits, and naturally balanced habit, it is particularly decorative.

Like all citrus trees, Citrus maxima contains essential oil pockets in its leaves, flowers, and fruits, which are often visible to the naked eye. Essential oil with antiseptic, tonic, and appetising properties is extracted from them through distillation (flowers and leaves) or pressing (peel). The fragrance of the essential oil is described as fruity, acidic and slightly bitter, with floral notes.

Most citrus trees thrive in the ground in Mediterranean coastal regions where they can find the necessary heat all year round. However, to bear fruit well, they need an adequate supply of water and nutrients. This is a self-fertile bush, which means that only one individual is needed for complete pollination and fruiting.