There are many benefits to picking up fresh PlacerGROWN grapefruits this month. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, delicious treat or seeking an ingredient for a new, homemade beauty product, you won’t be disappointed!

SELECTION AND STORAGE

When searching for the perfect grapefruit, request one that weighs heavier for its size and has bright skin, firmness and a sweet aroma. They should yield to gentle pressure and recoil immediately. Although the fruit does great on a kitchen countertop for a few days, it’s best to keep it in a fruit or vegetable crisper where it will stay fresh for up to three weeks.

Grapefruits can be purchased at PlacerGROWN farmers’ markets held year-round, including the Saturday market in Auburn and the Tuesday market at the Fountains in Roseville. 

Grapefruit with Pistachios and Mint
Recipe by Courtney McDonald 

• ¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 2-½ tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup mint leaves lightly crushed
• 2 grapefruits
• 4 tbsp. toasted pistachios, coarsely chopped 

In a small bowl, combine grapefruit juice, honey and crushed mint. With a sharp knife, slice away peel and pith of grapefruits and slice into thin rounds. Divide grapefruit and sweetened grapefruit juice along with the crushed mint among four bowls. Top each with 1 tbsp. pistachios.

DID YOU KNOW?

As a citrus fruit, the grapefruit is rich in potassium, calcium and vitamin C; however, it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to the amount of lycopene, vitamin A, beta-carotene and insoluble fiber pectin that it contains. Eating one grapefruit a day can lower your risk of some cancers by as much as 60 percent! Weight loss is another benefit. Due to its low calorie count, it’s a perfect fit for anyone looking to have a healthy sweet treat. It also provides a great substitute for those watching their sugar intake, since it doesn’t have as much sugar or acid as other citrus fruits. If grapefruits are too tart for you, adding a little bit of honey helps tone it down.

They aren’t just good to eat, either—the oil and seed extract are often used as fragrance in soaps, cosmetics and household cleaners. What’s more, grapefruits are a natural astringent, providing a solution for oily skin. To make a refreshing facial mask, add a little honey and oatmeal with a few ounces of grapefruit juice.

— Carol Arnold

For details on where to buy Placer County farm-fresh produce, wine, meat and other products, visit placergrown.org and foothillfarmersmarket.com.