by Cesca Janece Waterfield

Citrus fruit, like the holidays, comes to life during the cold months of winter. Grapefruit is in season now, along with oranges, tangerines and clementines. A popular mail-order gift, grapefruit’s gem-colored orbs of yellow, pink and red even resemble decorations on a Christmas tree.

And like Santa, it delivers: the tangy grapefruit is packed with health benefits. Rich in vitamin B5, potassium and folate, its abundance of vitamin C helps support the immune system and prevent free radical damage. It’s also rich in lycopene, the same phytochemical found in tomatoes and watermelon that helps prevent lung and prostate cancer. Grapefruit contains limonoids, which have been shown to prevent several forms of cancer. It lowers “bad” cholesterol and the red variety reduces triglycerides. If that’s not enough, one average grapefruit provides fifteen percent of the daily required dietary fiber. One caution: Grapefruit and its juice can interfere with some prescription drugs, so ask your pharmacist about your medications. TIP: Citrus fruit at room temperature yields more juice.

Infuse gray days of winter with tropical citrus. In these recipes, honey mellows the tartness and cardamom is a holiday-inspired accent.

[To read this full article, go to our free electronic edition, UVW Digital]

Date of publication: November 25, 2009
Read more in this section: Savor