When is Grapefruit in Season?

If you’re on the hunt for nutritious and flavorful recipes, you might be wondering when grapefruit season starts. In the United States, grapefruit is grown in Florida, Arizona, California and Texas, and while grapefruit is typically available all year round, peak grapefruit season is winter and early spring. 

Interestingly, pricing stays pretty consistent throughout the year, with only slight decreases in summer, so it remains a pretty versatile staple in recipes. Sales tend to see mini-spikes throughout the year, with peaks in winter, mid-spring and early summer.

Read on to learn how to pick the best bright and hearty citrus fruits at the grocery store, as well as how to store them at home, then download the Fetch shopping rewards app to start earning rewards on all your grocery store purchases.

Get rewarded for healthy eating with Fetch Shop 

You’re already adding fresh produce to your grocery list each week, so why not get something in return for choosing to eat healthy? With Fetch Shop, you’ll earn points per dollar on the purchases you make at select stores when placing your order through the app, which means the more fruit and veggies you add to your list, the more rewards you’ll earn. Whether you’re scheduling a grocery pickup at Target using their Drive Up service or stocking up for a big get-together shopping online at Sam’s Club, you can turn your produce into Fetch Points that can be redeemed for free gift cards when grocery shopping with Fetch Shop.

To earn rewards on fresh produce with Fetch Shop:

1. Download Fetch.
2. Open the app, and navigate to Fetch Shop; on your “Discover” (home) tab, you’ll find the Fetch Shop icon directly to the left of the camera icon at the bottom of your screen.
3. Once in Fetch Shop, scroll to the “Food & Drink” category, click where it says, “See all,” then find the grocery retailer of your choice, and select that store.
4. Tap “Go shopping!” and then simply grocery shop online as you would normally. And don’t forget to add those fruits and veggies to your cart to rack up even more points!

Where do grapefruits grow in the US?

It probably comes as no surprise that grapefruits first appeared in America in the 1820s in none other than Florida. As a citrus hub, plenty of grapefruits still come out of Florida, but Arizona, California and Texas now produce variations as well.

How to pick grapefruit at the grocery store 

Picking the right grapefruit at the grocery store is a matter of engaging your senses. A good grapefruit should look and feel plump and slightly heavy, with thin, smooth skin. 

How to tell if a grapefruit is ripe

The best way to tell if a grapefruit is ripe is to examine the color and condition. A ripe grapefruit should be slightly red in color, which indicates it is rich in flavor. A light squeeze should reveal a plump fruit that bounces back easily.

How to store grapefruit at home

Figuring out how best to store your grapefruit will ensure it is enjoyed in its prime. Here are two different storing methods to consider:

• Store at room temperature for the juiciest grapefruit. They must be eaten within a few days though!
• For grapefruit that lasts up to six weeks, place in a plastic bag and into the crisper drawer in your fridge.

How to cut a grapefruit

Learning how to cut a grapefruit doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Simply grab your cutting board, a chef’s knife and a paring knife and do the following.

1. Place your clean and dried grapefruit on its side on your cutting board.
2. Using your chef’s knife, cut the fruit down the middle.
3. Using your paring knife, free up grapefruit segments by running your knife along the membrane walls.
4. Put the grapefruit halves in a bowl and use a spoon to scoop out the segments.
5. Enjoy with a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle of sugar or plain!

How to make grapefruit taste better

Famously sour, strong and a bit bitter, grapefruit is an acquired taste for some. The goal is to find a way to counteract the strong flavors with ones that enhance it. We suggest you try different additions and see what tastes good to you:

• Sprinkle it with salt or sugar.
• Add a drizzle of honey or agave.
• Caramelized grapefruit halves under the broiler.
• Chop and mix into a salad.
• Tamp the flavor down with a rich, dairy component like yogurt or cottage cheese. 

Can dogs have grapefruit?

While Vitamin C and antioxidants can be nutritious for dogs and humans alike, dog bellies are sensitive in different ways. Small amounts of grapefruit flesh or innards are generally safe for dogs. However, citric acid really should be avoided, as well as natural essential oils–both of which are found in the skin and rind of grapefruits. Fetch recommends a dog-safe treat instead!

Fetch Fam-approved easy grapefruit recipes

Whether you are planning a spread for the family, or grocery shopping for one, Fetch makes it easy to plan your recipes and build your grocery list. Plus, we reward you for purchases you’re already making. Don’t forget to snap a pic of your grocery receipt in the Fetch app after you buy these ingredients to earn rewards on your shopping list.

How to make grapefruit juice

Making fresh grapefruit juice is simple; the only thing to decide is how you want to prepare it.

Recipe:

• Directions for Juicing with Blender: Peel your grapefruit and remove the white, spongy bits and seeds. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds, and strain into a cup (if you want pulp-free juice).
• Directions for Juicing with Juicer: Peel your grapefruit and chop into small enough pieces to fit in your juicer chute. Feed your grapefruit pieces into the juicer and enjoy!
• Directions for Juicing by Hand: Slice your grapefruits in half, and place cut-side down on a citrus juicer. Press and twist until all juice is extracted. 

How to make dried grapefruit slices

Whether you plan to use it as cocktail garnish, topping for your dessert, or even simply decoration, dried grapefruit is versatile and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• Grapefruit, sliced into thin “wheels”
• Oil (if choosing to use a baking tray without parchment paper)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Low heat is needed to slowly dehydrate your fruit.
2. It is preferred to use a baking sheet with parchment paper OR an oven-safe wire rack. 
3. Arrange grapefruit wheels on a baking tray or rack of choice.
4. Place in the oven and be prepared to keep an eye on your grapefruit for up to six hours. Grapefruit usually takes at least five.
5. At the two hour mark, flip grapefruit wheels.
6. Remove from the oven once they are thoroughly dried out.

How to make grapefruit oil

Grapefruit oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used to satisfy sugar cravings and even help beat a hangover. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup minced grapefruit peel
• 2 cups oil (canola, grapeseed or safflower)

Recipe:

1. Peel grapefruit and ensure there are no white bits left on the peel.
2. Combine the peel and oil of choice in a dish.
3. Cover and let sit at room temperature for three days.
4. Strain and enjoy for up to six months!

Enjoy grapefruits in their prime and earn grocery rewards with Fetch

Planning and preparing meals is a lot of work, so why not get rewarded for your effort? Get the Fetch grocery app to help you put together your grocery list, then simply snap a pic of your receipt at checkout or shop online through Fetch Shop to turn your purchases into free gift cards. Your routine shopping will earn you reward points you can then cash in for free gift cards to Target, Amazon, Sam’s Club, and so many more!