Also known as Shaddock, Jabong, Grape Fruit, Chakkotha in Kannada, and Madhukarkati in Sanskrit, Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit belonging to family Rutaceae. Botanical name is Citrus maxima.
Pomelo is native to South East Asia and is eaten raw sprinkled with Salt, Chili Powder, and Sugar.
The tree grows to a height of 16 to 50 feet tall with low branches. Spines are present on the branches. The green leaves are 5 to 20 cms long and 2 to 12 cm wide thick and glossy.
Pomelo flowers are white with a lovely scent and bloom in clusters of 2 to 8 at the end of the branches. The fruit is large and green when young and turns yellow when ripe. Rind is thick and spongy and can grow up to 12” in diameter and weigh around 1 to 2 kilograms. The branches weigh down due to the weight of the fruit.
Like all citrus fruit, inside the rind are neatly arranged segments, which are pink when ripe.
Taste of Pomelo is bitter, sour, and sweet. It is a rich source of Vitamin C.
Propagation:
Pomelo is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Recipes using Pomelo:
Pomelo Coconut Salad
Pomelo Salad
