Pomelo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pomelo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Citrus
Species:	C. maxima
Binomial name
Citrus maxima Merr.

The Pomelo (Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis) is a really big and yummy citrus fruit. It originally comes from Southeast Asia. When it's ready to eat, it can be pale green or yellow. Its inside, called the flesh, is usually sweet and white.

This fruit has a very thick and spongy outer layer called the rind. The pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family. It usually measures about 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) across. It can weigh from 1 to 2 kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 pounds)!

Other names for the pomelo are pummelo and pommelo.

All About the Pomelo

The pomelo is a fascinating fruit with a long history. It is often confused with a grapefruit, but it is actually a separate fruit. The grapefruit is believed to be a natural hybrid of the pomelo and a sweet orange.

What Does a Pomelo Look Like?

A pomelo is much larger than an orange or a grapefruit. Its skin is thick and can be smooth or slightly bumpy. The color changes from green to yellow as it ripens. Inside, the flesh is usually pale yellow or white. Some types can even have pink or red flesh.

The thick rind is a key feature of the pomelo. It protects the juicy segments inside. This rind can be quite easy to peel once you get started.

Where Do Pomelos Grow?

Pomelos are native to Southeast Asia. They have been grown there for thousands of years. Today, you can find pomelos growing in many warm places around the world. These include China, India, Japan, and parts of the United States.

They grow best in warm, sunny climates. The trees can be quite large, providing plenty of shade. Pomelo trees often have both flowers and fruit on them at the same time.

How to Enjoy a Pomelo

Eating a pomelo is a bit different from eating an orange. First, you need to peel off the very thick rind. This can be done by scoring the skin and peeling it away. Once the rind is off, you will see the large segments of fruit.

Each segment is covered in a thin, bitter membrane. Most people prefer to remove this membrane before eating the fruit. You can gently peel it away from each segment. After that, you are left with the sweet, juicy pulp.

Pomelos can be eaten fresh on their own. They are also great in salads, especially fruit salads. Some people use them to make juice or desserts.

Pomelos and Your Health

Pomelos are a good source of Vitamin C. This vitamin is important for your immune system. It helps your body fight off sickness. They also contain other vitamins and minerals.

Eating pomelos can be a healthy snack. They are refreshing and hydrating. They also provide dietary fiber, which is good for your digestion.

Fun Facts About Pomelos

• In some Asian cultures, pomelos are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
• They are often given as gifts during festivals, especially the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• The scientific name Citrus maxima means "largest citrus," which perfectly describes this fruit!

Images for kids

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  Cluster of flower buds

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  Pomelo flowers

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  Pomelo tree in southern Vietnam

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  Flowering and fruiting branch with numbered fruit segment and flower section, chromolithograph by P. Depannemaeker, c. 1885, after B. Hoola van Nooten

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  This white hybrid Pomelo is cushioned with a thick mesocarp layer

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  Pomelos

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  Pomelo after being cut

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  Pink pomelo juice vesicles

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  Pomelo blossom

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  Pomelo on tree, has fruit and blossoms at the same time

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  Fujian's Pinghe County is famous in China for its pomelos

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  Pomelo orchard

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  Pink pomelo

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  Pomelo seedling

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  Closeup of pomelo petiole

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  Ipoh pomelos on sale at Chinatown, Singapore

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  Tam som-o nam pu: spicy Thai pomelo salad with crab extract

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  The large segments inside a pomelo, containing the fruit’s juice vesicles.

See also

In Spanish: Pamplemusa para niños