Chandler Pomelos
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Chandler pomelos are a medium to large-sized variety that may be 11.5 to 30 centimeters wide and 400 to 1,000 grams in weight. Their shape varies from oblate to globose to slightly pear-like. Chandler pomelos have a bright yellow rind with a hint of green or pink blush. This relatively thick rind measures approximately 10 to 12 millimeters wide and is smooth, shiny, and covered in tiny lenticels. These fruits have a light to dark pink flesh that’s divided into 12 to 20 thin-walled segments. This flesh may have a juicy to fairly dry consistency with a tender and fine-grained texture. Chandler pomelos produce abundant seeds only when cross-pollinated by fertile citrus varieties. Their flavor is primarily sweet with subtle acidic notes and a mild bitterness similar to that of grapefruit.
Seasons/Availability
Chandler pomelos may be available from late fall to early spring.
Current Facts
Chandler pomelos are botanically classified as Citrus maxima and belong to the Rutaceae family along with other citruses like tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit, citrons, lemons, and kumquats. Pomelos are also referred to as Pommelos, Pummelos, Abong, Asian grapefruit, Lusho fruit, Pompelmous, and Youzi. They are the largest member of the citrus family. Chandlers are hybrid varieties bred from Siamese Sweet and Siamese Pink pomelos. Siamese Sweets are an acidless yellow cultivar that has parented many other hybrids including Oroblanco and Melogold pomelos. Siamese Pinks have an orange rind, pink flesh, and a sweet yet mild taste that’s nearly seedless. Chandler pomelos were developed at the University of California’s Citrus Research Center in Riverside to have the salmon-colored flesh of Siamese Pink with the flavor and seedless qualities of Siamese Sweet. Chandler pomelos grow on large trees reaching heights of 3 to 15 meters that are valued for their ornamental fragrant white flowers and the culinary appeal of their refreshing fruit.
Nutritional Value
Chandler pomelos are a rich source of vitamin C that helps boost immune function, promote collagen synthesis for healthy skin, and act as a powerful antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in cells. The potassium content in Chandler pomelos supports heart health by regulating blood pressure and balancing fluid levels in the body. This can aid in reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. The copper found in these pomelos is essential for red blood cell production and plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and connective tissue. The riboflavin and thiamine content in these fruits contributes to energy metabolism that helps the body convert food into energy while supporting brain and nerve function. Pomelos have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicines to eliminate toxins in the body and reduce mucus in the lungs. They have also been historically employed to treat coughs, fevers, and digestive issues.
Applications
Chandler pomelos are frequently consumed fresh or made into juice. They can also be preserved or roasted. Choose Chandler pomelos that feel heavy for their size and have a floral scent with unblemished skin. To prepare the fresh fruits, score them, remove the rind, peel off the pith, and cut or divide them into sections. These citruses can also be cut in half and scooped out with a spoon. Chandler pomelo juice is often incorporated into infused waters, cocktails, and smoothies. The fruits are added fresh to salads, salsas, charcuterie boards, granola, and flatbreads. This variety is often made into jam or the thick bitter rind can be candied or turned into marmalade. Chandler pomelos may be incorporated into stir-fries and curries with proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. When mixing it with hot dishes, these fruits should be added near the end of the cooking process. Chandler pomelos pair well with other tropical fruits as well as cilantro, mint, fish, and chicken. They should be stored in a cool and dry location or kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Pomelos are referred to as sum-oh in Thailand and are commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. These fruits are sprinkled with chili powder, paired with seafood, or juiced into marinades and vinaigrettes to add a bit of zest. They are also popularly included in Thai yam sum-oh salads. These side dishes mix pomelos with ingredients like vegetables, fruits, noodles, and fish sauce. Yam sum-oh involves toasting dried coconut in a skillet, crushing peanuts with a pestle, drying shrimp in a spice grinder, slicing shallots and lemongrass, and then mincing chili in a bowl with fish sauce and lime juice. All of these ingredients are then mixed with a pomelo that’s been broken into chunks to create a sweet, sour, and spicy salad that may be served alongside stir fries and soups.
Geography/History
Chandler pomelos were developed by the Citrus Research Center at the University of California Riverside. The first budwood was collected in 1959 and they were released for commercial production in 1961. This hybrid variety flourishes in warm, subtropical, and tropical climates with full sun exposure. The pomelo species is native to Southeast Asia where they grow wild and are easily cultivated. These fruits were introduced to the Americas by English explorers in the 17th century. Pomelos did not grow well everywhere but were later used to parent other citrus varieties like grapefruit. Chandler pomelos are commercially produced and grown in home gardens within Asia, Israel, California, and Florida. In these regions, may be found at markets, specialty stores, and roadside fruit stands.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chandler Pomelos. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Honestly Yum |
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Pomelo Kick Cocktail |
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