The origin of grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) is still unknown. Some researchers believe it is the hybrid of shaddock and sweet orange, which appeared spontaneously in the New World, West Indies. Other researchers think, it originated from sabadilla of shaddock, which was previously crossed with sweet orange, but no one could get it in artificial way. The trees of grapefruit are first mentioned in 18th century Barbados. This tropical fruit can be found in the Mediterranean Sea countries, in Japan and China, Southern America and in Caucasia.

In translation from English the word grapefruit means „fruit of grapes”, but it has no connection with grapes. It was named like that because of the growing way, grapefruit grows on twigs like grapes and each contain about 6-18 items.

The grapefruit is a fount of useful substances for our organism. Not without reason all encyclopaedias mention it as a dietary product. Especially useful is red grapefruit. It is recommended to use it in diets. Red grapefruit contain substances that burn fat and liven up the work of liver. To reduce the bitter taste of grapefruit it is suggested to cut it on half and eat with spoon. All bitter taste is between grapefruit segments. Grapefruit oil is used in confectionery and in production of liqueur and vodka; in perfumery for production of different cologne and toilet water. Fruits of grapefruit contain volatile oils, pectin and dye-stuffs, mineral salts, vitamins C, B1, D, P, glycoside, which gives to fruits bitter taste.

Grapefruit contains antioxidants, which lower the level of cholesterol in blood. The regular usage of this fruit helps to reduce the requirements of insulin for people, who suffer from diabetes; helps with gum problems by reducing bleeding sickness. Sabadilla of grapefruit has antimicrobial characteristics and antifungal qualities.

Grapefruit peel is a brilliant desert, which is cooked from this delicious fruit peel.

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