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Valentine Pomelos
Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 02/25/23
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Valentine pomelos are usually round with a protruding neck at the stem end, similar in shape to a pear. The rind is dark yellow and easy to peel, while the pulp inside is bright red. The fruit has a moderate amount of seeds, and is juicy and sweet especially compared with more acidic citrus. Other pomelos are a light green color when ripe, but Valentines are ripe when their rind is a uniform yellow.
Valentine pomelos are available in the mid-winter through early spring.
The Valentine pomelo is a newly-developed Citrus maxima hybrid. Pomelos are also called pummelos, Chinese grapefruits, and Shaddocks. This fruit was bred by University of California Riverside Citrus Variety Collection staff, and was named Valentine since it ripens around Valentine's Day in the middle of February, and because a cross section of its red pulp often appears heart-shaped. Its parentage is a Dancy mandarin and Ruby blood orange hybrid crossed with a "Siamese Sweet" pomelo, resulting in a sweet taste, red flesh, and complex flavor. Budwood for gardeners and orchards interested in growing Valentine pomelos was first available from UC Riverside in 2009.
Like other pomelos, Valentines are extremely high in Vitamin C. They also have smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. In addition to this nutrition profile, the Valentine's ruby red flesh indicates the presence of anthrocyanins, a class of antioxidants that may offer heart health benefits. Anthrocyanins are found in other richly colored red and purple produce such as berries and pomegranates.
Pomelos are most commonly eaten fresh or made into juice. To eat a fresh pomelo, cut off the top and bottom, slice off the rind, peel off the white pith, and cut out pulp sections. Another option is to cut the pomelo in half and cut into slices or scoop out with a spoon, much like a grapefruit. Fresh pomelos are often eaten sprinkled with salt and chile pepper in southeast Asia. More creative options include making Valentine pomelo flesh into jam or jelly, or slicing it into cold salads. The juicy, sweet flesh goes well with other tropical fruits such as mango and coconut, and with herbs such as cilantro and mint. For more cooking-intensive applications, add it to pasta or fish dishes near the end of the cooking period, since pomelos can taste bitter when heated. The skin is thick and bitter, but can be candied, which is a popular practice in China. The peel can also be made into marmalade, and flavor soups and desserts. Choose Valentine pomelos that feel heavy and have a floral scent with unblemished skin. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
In southeast Asia and China, pomelos are eaten in abundance particularly around the Lunar New Year since they are considered a sign of prosperity and good luck.
Pomelos are native to southeast Asia where they grow wild and are easily cultivated. A thousand years ago, pomelos were introduced to China, and were later brought to South American and the Caribbean in the late 1600s by an English sea captain. They did not grow well in the western Hemisphere; however, a hybrid of pomelos and wild oranges did. Americans know this hybrid as the grapefruit, a fruit that took off in popularity much more so than the pomelo. Commercially, pomelos are grown today mostly in tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, as well as in California and Florida in the United States.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Valentine Pomelos. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Valentine Pomelos using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Fable: Pomelo |
Description/Taste
Valentine pomelos are usually round with a protruding neck at the stem end, similar in shape to a pear. The rind is dark yellow and easy to peel, while the pulp inside is bright red. The fruit has a moderate amount of seeds, and is juicy and sweet especially compared with more acidic citrus. Other pomelos are a light green color when ripe, but Valentines are ripe when their rind is a uniform yellow.
Seasons/Availability
Valentine pomelos are available in the mid-winter through early spring.
Current Facts
The Valentine pomelo is a newly-developed Citrus maxima hybrid. Pomelos are also called pummelos, Chinese grapefruits, and Shaddocks. This fruit was bred by University of California Riverside Citrus Variety Collection staff, and was named Valentine since it ripens around Valentine's Day in the middle of February, and because a cross section of its red pulp often appears heart-shaped. Its parentage is a Dancy mandarin and Ruby blood orange hybrid crossed with a "Siamese Sweet" pomelo, resulting in a sweet taste, red flesh, and complex flavor. Budwood for gardeners and orchards interested in growing Valentine pomelos was first available from UC Riverside in 2009.
Nutritional Value
Like other pomelos, Valentines are extremely high in Vitamin C. They also have smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. In addition to this nutrition profile, the Valentine's ruby red flesh indicates the presence of anthrocyanins, a class of antioxidants that may offer heart health benefits. Anthrocyanins are found in other richly colored red and purple produce such as berries and pomegranates.
Applications
Pomelos are most commonly eaten fresh or made into juice. To eat a fresh pomelo, cut off the top and bottom, slice off the rind, peel off the white pith, and cut out pulp sections. Another option is to cut the pomelo in half and cut into slices or scoop out with a spoon, much like a grapefruit. Fresh pomelos are often eaten sprinkled with salt and chile pepper in southeast Asia. More creative options include making Valentine pomelo flesh into jam or jelly, or slicing it into cold salads. The juicy, sweet flesh goes well with other tropical fruits such as mango and coconut, and with herbs such as cilantro and mint. For more cooking-intensive applications, add it to pasta or fish dishes near the end of the cooking period, since pomelos can taste bitter when heated. The skin is thick and bitter, but can be candied, which is a popular practice in China. The peel can also be made into marmalade, and flavor soups and desserts. Choose Valentine pomelos that feel heavy and have a floral scent with unblemished skin. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In southeast Asia and China, pomelos are eaten in abundance particularly around the Lunar New Year since they are considered a sign of prosperity and good luck.
Geography/History
Pomelos are native to southeast Asia where they grow wild and are easily cultivated. A thousand years ago, pomelos were introduced to China, and were later brought to South American and the Caribbean in the late 1600s by an English sea captain. They did not grow well in the western Hemisphere; however, a hybrid of pomelos and wild oranges did. Americans know this hybrid as the grapefruit, a fruit that took off in popularity much more so than the pomelo. Commercially, pomelos are grown today mostly in tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, as well as in California and Florida in the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Valentine Pomelos. One
is easiest, three is harder.| the mom 100 |
|
Pitcher Pomelo Palomas |
| Andrew Zimmern |
|
Pomelo Sorbet |
| Cannelle et Vanille |
|
Pommelo, Raspberry and Corn Cake |
| Butter and Brioche |
|
Pink Pomelo and Rose Tarts with Honey Meringue |
Recently Shared
People have shared Valentine Pomelos using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 40 days ago, 2/12/23 Sharer's comments : Valentine Pomelo from Garcia Organic Farm 
Asian Family Market
Near Shoreline, Washington, United StatesAbout 42 days ago, 2/09/23 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 48 days ago, 2/04/23 Sharer's comments : Valentine Pomelos from Garcia Organic Farm 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92109 619-295-3172 About 57 days ago, 1/26/23 Sharer's comments : Valentine Pomelos In From Garcia Organics 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Mud Creek Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesSanta Paula,CA 805-525-0758 About 359 days ago, 3/30/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Mud Creek Ranch
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesSanta Paula, CA 805-525-0758 About 366 days ago, 3/23/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Mud Creek Ranch
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesSanta Paula, CA 805-525-0758 About 373 days ago, 3/16/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 411 days ago, 2/06/22 Sharer's comments : Valentine Pomelo from Rancho Del Sol 
Pico Market
Garcia Organics
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 412 days ago, 2/05/22 Sharer's comments : Valentine Pomelos 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Garcia Organic Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFallbrook,CA 1-760-908-6251 About 415 days ago, 2/02/22 |
