The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its relatively large, sour to semi-sweet, somewhat bitter fruit.[1] The flesh of the fruit is segmented and varies in color from pale yellow to dark red.
Grapefruits originated in Barbados in the 18th century. They are a citrus hybrid that was created through an accidental cross between the sweet orange (C. × sinensis) and the pomelo (C. maxima), both of which were introduced to the Caribbean from Asia in the 17th century.[2] It has also been called the ‘forbidden fruit‘.[1] In the past it was called the pomelo,[3] but that term is now mostly used as the common name for Citrus maxima.[4]