Tart and tangy, the grapefruit has one of the most recognizable tastes from among its kin. While some balk at the sometimes bitter taste of the fruit, there is no denying the numerous health benefits gained through its consumption. This nutritional value has earned grapefruit the lofty title of “super fruit.” Organically grown grapefruits have been known to have a distinctly bitter flavor, whereas this quality is somewhat diminished in fruit grown via industrial methods.

The grapefruit was first discovered in the early 18th-century. It is a hybrid breed, but its exact origin is uncertain. Some stories suggest that the grapefruit is the result of explorers from the East arriving in Jamaica bearing pomelo seeds. Whatever the case may be, the fruit did not become popular until the 1900’s. Before its rise to fame, production of the fruit was confined to Barbados. Now, however, the U.S. produces more of the fruit than any other nation.

The grapefruit boasts of many naturally beneficial qualities, the most well known of which are its high quantities of vitamin C and fiber. The iconic red and pink coloration of the grapefruit is due to a chemical called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant, which helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Organic grapefruits have higher lycopene content than its conventionally produced counterparts.

Grapefruit is one of the few fruits that interacts with synthetic drugs. In many cases, the fruit increases the potency of these compounds. This earned the fruit a fair amount of notoriety in the 1980’s after the fruit was linked to a number of overdoses, a fact that has prompted doctors to advise patients to steer clear of eating grapefruit while on certain medications.

When organically cultivated, the fruit’s beneficial qualities are somewhat enhanced. This due to the lack of synthetic pesticides that are common in most conventional farming methods. The chemicals often interfere with the fruits ability to draw nutrients from its home soil, stunting its development.

Citrus is a wonderful way to boost your immune system and to tell someone you care about their well being too just by sending them an organic fruit basket or even better…an organic fruit of the month club so they can be healthy the whole year round. Giving organic says something more to your giftee, it says you’ve taken the time out to pick something special – your unique gift giving will shine!