Tag: Grapefruit relatives

Grapefruit is a relatively young fruit in the citrus family, having originated in Barbados sometime in the 18th century as a natural, accidental hybrid of a pomelo and a sweet orange. Understanding its family tree reveals a complex and intriguing web of ancestral species and hybrid offspring that are all related to the grapefruit.

Pomelos are the largest of all citrus fruits, but much like grapefruit, their potential to cause severe drug interactions is a significant concern for many people. This critical side effect of pomelo occurs due to compounds that inhibit vital liver enzymes, leading to unsafe medication levels in the bloodstream. While generally nutritious, awareness of these risks is essential for safe consumption, particularly for individuals managing chronic health conditions.