Fortunately, because I love humid air, the air feels considerably more humid in the North Garden, a feeling enhanced in my own mind by the viewing of water droplets both dripping slowly from plants and perching very precariously on leaf edges everywhere I look. In contrast to most other days, the conservatory is very quiet today with a noticeable dearth of visitors.
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| Young cacao pods growing in the North Garden. |
The Plant of the Day is the tropical evergreen grapefruit tree, Citrus x paradisi. The grapefruit tree is thought to be an accidental hybrid between sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and pomelo (C. maxima).
A very large number of studies have shown numerous health benefits of consuming this fruit. These benefits include a significant amount of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Additional benefits include boosts to human immune systems, better control of insulin levels, better blood sugar control, a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved heart health through the provision of potassium and fiber. By binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body, citric acid, found in grapefruit, is thought to help prevent kidney stones.
Grapefruit interferes with statins - DO NOT TAKE, if you are on a statin!
Unfortunately, eating grapefruit is not for everyone. For some people, consuming grapefruit and/or its juice may lead to medication interactions. Therefore anyone who is on medication should ask their doctor if they can safely eat grapefruit. Citric acid, found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion. So those with sensitive teeth should avoid acidic fruits.
Grapefruit juice is marketed as a beverage, dehydrated as powder, or concentrated and frozen. It can be made into an excellent vinegar or carefully fermented as wine. Grapefruit peel is candied and is an important source of pectin for the preservation of other fruits.
The waste from grapefruit packing plants can be converted into molasses for cattle. After oil extraction, the seed hulls can be used for soil conditioning or combined with dried pulp and used as cattlefeed.
Old grapefruit trees can be salvaged for their wood. The sapwood is pale-yellow or nearly white, the heartwood yellow to brownish, hard, fine-grained, and useful for domestic purposes. Pruned branches and felled trees are cut up for firewood.
An essence prepared from the flowers is taken for medicinal purposes to overcome insomnia, aid with stomach issues or as a cardiac tonic. The pulp is considered an effective aid in the treatment of urinary disorders. Leaf extractions have shown antibiotic activity.
Florida is home to some grapefruit orchards. Mexico exports some grapefruit to Canada and Japan, but exports the largest quantities to the United States. Cuba has planted 370,000 acres (150,000 ha) of citrus, mostly grapefruit with goals of exporting to the Soviet Union and eastern European countries. In Australia, grapefruit is commercially processed as marmalade and is also made into jelly. Grapefruit is also grown in many other countries like Spain, South Africa and Brazil.
For more information:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-grapefruit.html
https://authoritynutrition.com/10-benefits-of-grapefruit/
https://www.britannica.com/plant/grapefruit
https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/grapefruit.html
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Citrus+x+paradisi
http://www.foodswinesfromspain.com/spanishfoodwine/global/products-recipes/products/more-about-products/4541911.html
