The pomelo is an exotic large citrus fruit that is an ancestor of the common grapefruit. It originated in Asia and is grown in many eastern countries including China, Japan, India, Fiji, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is also now grown in the Caribbean and in the United States, in California and Florida. Although it is most commonly known under the name of pummelo, depending on the region where it is grown, it is also called the pamplemousse, pomelo, Bali lemon, Limau besar, and shaddock.
Pomelos are produced from the pomelo tree, which is a tree that can grow to heights of up to 50 feet. Additionally, the pomelo tree produces very attractive, fragrant and large white colored flowers. These flowers are often used in Asia to make perfumes. Because the pummelo fruit is related to the grapefruit, it has a taste that is tangy. However, pomelo fruit is sweeter in taste than the grapefruit.

You can recognize a pomelo fruit by its large size and thick outer skin. Inside the pomelo, white or pink flesh is present. Additionally, thick membranes surround this flesh. You can eat the flesh within a pummelo, raw. Additionally, the skin of a pummelo is commonly used as an ingredient in preserves and to be made into a candied confection. Pummelo skin is also used medicinally in some cultures. For instance, in Southeast Asia raw pomelo skin pieces are given to patients to eat who are having problems with excessive coughing and who have a history of epileptic seizures.

You can purchase fresh pomelos through the winter months at some larger supermarket chains and at specialty fruit and vegetable markets. When purchasing a pomelo, select only those that have a fragrant scent and that are firm to the touch. Also look to make sure that the pomelo does not have any bruises or marks on it. Once you have purchased your puoelos, you can safely store them in your home for up to one week provided that the pomelos are kept in your refrigerator.

Besides eating pomelos raw, common uses for the pomelo in cooking include adding slices of the fruit to desserts and salads and squeezing juice out from the pomelo to make beverages. Pomelos are also highly nutritious and are a good food source for dieters. This is because 150 grams of pummelo, which is equal to approximately 1/4 cup, contains 60 calories. Additionally, pomelos do not contain any cholesterol, fat, or sodium. They are also an excellent source of the vitamin C. Pummelos also offer a delicious alternative to more caloric snack foods. Additionally, pomelos travel well to picnics and other outdoor activities because they have a hard outer skin and a compact round shape and size.

Pomelos have been treasured as a food source in Asia and other regions for many years. Now, the pomelo is finding its way into many culinary cultures. This is because the pomelo has a sweet citrus flavor that makes it appealing as a delicious, quick snack food or as an addition to more elaborate entrees and salads.
 

Nutrition

History
The pomelo has most likely originated in Indonesia where it grew wild.  It is also presumed to have been grown by the Chinese for thousands of years