An epiphany about grapefruit
I have a confession to make: I don’t really like grapefruit. And this makes me sad. Don’t get me wrong—grapefruit is pleasing on many levels. It’s pleasing to the eye with its bright red color, pleasing to the nose with its clean, floral scent and pleasing to the touch with its receptive flesh. But for me, it’s not so pleasing to the taste—I find it too bitter and it makes my face contort into unattractive shapes.
I’m not completely adverse to grapefruit-flavored things. Fresca is one of my favorite soft drinks. And grapefruit bread, if done well, can be a delicious treat. But the thought of tucking my spoon into a halved grapefruit just fills me with dread. That is, unless you add sugar.
If you know me, you’ve probably heard me trumpet my lack of a sweet tooth. But I think we both know that I’m just lying to myself. And while it’s a New Year and like most people I am trying to temper some of my appetites in order to regain my pre-holiday health. I also can’t avoid that grapefruits are in season and if I’m going to get any joy out of eating them, I’m just going to have to add sugar.
When I was in Oxford, Mississippi back in October, I had the pleasure of eating breakfast a couple of times at the very fine Big Bad Breakfast—BBB for short. If you’re ever there, do yourself a favor and make a point of trying BBB’s house-smoked bacon and sausage, cheesy grits, fluffy biscuits and homemade jams. They also offer a half of grapefruit that’s been topped with a spicy sugar crust.
I didn’t order that when I was there but one of my friends did, and she got so much obvious joy out of digging her spoon through the crunchy shell into the soft fruit that it almost made me regret ordering biscuits and gravy instead of grapefruit. Almost.
When I recently got my hands on some big, juicy grapefruits, I decided that I would have to recreate that grapefruit brulée at home. I halved a grapefruit and sprinkled brown sugar and cinnamon over the fruit. I placed the two halves under the broiler for a few seconds and they came out a bit warm covered in glassy, shiny sugar layer. It’s sweet enough to cut back some of the grapefruit’s bitterness without the grapefruit losing its essence. And as it only takes a few minutes to make, I think I just may have my new go-to winter-morning meal.
OK, I’m lying again. I’d still rather have breakfast tacos or pancakes early in the morning. But even with the sugar, this grapefruit is healthy enough and so I might as well enjoy them while they’re in season. Heck, grapefruits could even become one of my favorite fruits.
Grapefruit topped with burnt brown sugar
Ingredients
- 1 grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Slice your grapefruit in half at the equator. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top of the grapefruit and then spread the brown sugar on top. Place under the broiler for 20 seconds and then dig in!
I used to dislike grapefruit too BUT like others have said, the Star Rio Ruby Red Grapefruit changed my mind, it’s the best. The bitterness of the grapefruit tends to come from the membranes surrounding the fruit. I prepare the grapefruit by either cutting the peeling off the grapefruit so that it exposes the grapefruit. Then take the grapefruit out within the sections so that you have only grapefruit sections and no skin or membranes present. Or the other way is to peel the grapefruit like you would an orange. Break in half and then start by removing the membranes separating the segments only keeping the flesh of the grapefruit. I usually squeeze the excess juice into the bowl as well. I’ve never had a bitter one when it’s done like that. It might be a bit sour if it’s not completely ripe. If it’s ripe then you should be able to eat it without adding any sugar but if it’s a little sour we then add sugar to the grapefruit sections. My children will eat grapefruit if it’s prepared this way….give it a try…you’ll love it.
When I was a kid my mom always gave me grapefruit halves sweetened with a little drizzle of real maple syrup. It’s still my favorite way to eat them. The syrup brings sweetness, sure, but also a whiff of smokiness and other more intangible flavors that are just delicious. Grapefruit brulee is just a ridiculously awesome concept however! Happy New Year Lisa! Hope to see you soon.
Your Post makes me laugh! I like the sugar too, but can do them without when I’m feeling “extra” healthy. My aunt broiled them with brown sugar. They are really good that way, but I haven’t had grapefruit like that for years.
I am so similar. I love the smell of grapefruit, but the only way I can eat is with copious amount of sugar sprinkled on top!
O-Dub–Salt? I like that idea! I can’t wait to try it.
Kitchen Vixen–It’s a wonderful way to use them up–enjoy!
Miss Meat and Potatoes–Yep, I came from a big grapefruit-loving family, too. Half the time we didn’t even have orange juice in the house, just a big thing of Texsun grapefruit juice.
Lisa (dinner party)–It’s very simple!
Adrienne–The grapefruit doesn’t get that warm as it’s under the broiler only long enough to melt the sugar.
Gregg–Thanks!
Tommy–I’ve heard that before, too. And wow–you sure do like your grapefruit juice!
Leilani Lee–I wonder if they’ve been bred to be more sweet?
KMays–Ruby Reds are sweeter than most, but still a touch too bitter for me.
PaniniKathy–It’s such a simple recipe! Have you ever made a panini with grapefruit?
DeciverofMen–Perhaps I’ll need to order a shipment from Texas.
Mary–I love cinnamon and peanut butter, too, especially with a drizzle of honey.
Debra–That salad sounds gorgeous!
Whosyergurl–I used to have some antique grapefruit spoons, too. Those are very useful.
Karen–I love it, which is saying something.
Charlana Kelly–Yes it does!
Jesse–I know, doesn’t the addition of salt sound intriguing? I can’t wait to try it.
Deb–That Alex is a smart cookie and his horror is justified: I suspect your friend is really from Oklahoma.
Jana–Looks like I need to follow my own advice and order some!
Sandi–I will!
Popeyemoon–Ah! So that’s what happens. Interesting.
O-Dub–Thanks for the warning!
Kari–I know–I’ve even told people where to buy them. I’m bad at following my own advice!
Deb–You’re very welcome.
Kimberly–Oh! That sounds fancy!
Erika–What a wonderful story!
Ann–That could work at breakfast if you’re feeling decadent! And I missed you, too, but it looks like y’all had a blast.
Farmer Jen–It’s good!
Karen–Ah, so it’s the membrane that makes it so bitter–I will have to try that.
Ann–I have some maple syrup in my fridge right now–can’t wait to drizzle it on some grapefruit. And I hope to see you soon too!
Debbie–Glad I made you laugh!
Anne–The smell, for me, is definitely better than the taste. I’m glad I’m not alone!