User:Smidge204
I'm using my user page for a sandbox, so there's nothing to see here!
Let's talk about something interesting: Grapefruits.
Although the origin of the grapefruit poses a bit of a mystery, the term "grapefruit" originated in Jamaica in 1814, and the cultivated fruit was introduced to Florida area from the Bahamas in 1823. Surveys of citrus populations in the Old World and Asia, where most citrus fruits have their historical origins, have not been able to confirm the presence of any native-growing grapefruit trees. However, searches in the West Indies have uncovered populations of (apparently) naturally growing grapefruit.
A "perfectly ripe" grapefruit has a healthy, yellow color covering more than 2/3rds of the fruit surface, and a minimum soluble solids/acid ratio (which is tightly related to flavor) of 5.5 to 6. Grapefruit do not continue to ripen after harvest so they should be harvested fully-ripe and consumed early. Color intensity and uniformity, firmness, size, shape, peel thickness, smoothness, and freedom from decay and defects (such as freezing injury, rind staining, pitting, scars, and insect damage) are all signed of a high quality and delicious fruit. Presently, the most popular types of grapefruit are seedless white and ruby red varieties. The appeal of seedless varieties developed for the fresh fruit market have been bred at the expense of flavor. Older, seeded varieties are used to make grapefruit juice because of their superior taste and juiciness.
Grapefruit (as well as other citrus fruits) grow well in average temperatures of 71-75 degrees Fahrenheit along with sunny weather and plentiful rainfall. Unlike many hardwood fruits such as apple or cherry, grapefruit trees are damaged easily by cold weather.
Man, isn't it just so fascinating? I know I'm going to scroll back up and pour over this juicy tidbit of history (pun intended!) again, just because it's SO fascinating!
- stares at preview page*
Fascinating.
