Most People Didn't Know That The Ruby Red Grapefruit Was Invented Right Here In Texas

I adore grapefruit, but I can’t say I’ve met very many people who agree with that sentiment. It’s definitely an acquired taste – that is unless it’s a Ruby Red grapefruit. Unlike the traditional pink-fleshed grapefruit, the Ruby Red variety is as sweet as honey. The best part? Its roots can be traced back to Texas! Now one of the most popular grapefruit varieties sold in stores nationwide, the Ruby Red has a fascinating origin story, so you won’t want to miss a beat.

Flickr Stacy Spensley

This popular variety of the citrus fruit is much sweeter than its pink-fleshed counterparts...and it originated right here in Texas.

Flickr Amy Ross

The grapefruit is actually not a natural fruit, but rather a hybrid of a pomelo and a sweet orange. The bitter flavor is thanks to a chemical called naringin, large amounts of which are present in the fruit.

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Flickr Tara Schmidt

In 1929, a mutated grapefruit was discovered in a South Texas orchard. Instead of the fruit's characteristic pink flesh, this grapefruit had bright red flesh and a much sweeter taste.

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Have you ever had a Ruby Red grapefruit? If so, do you like them better than traditional grapefruits? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more things that were invented in Texas, and shop Wear Your Roots if you’d like to show off your Texas pride!