Pummelos

An ancestor of the grapefruit, the pummelo originated in Asia, and grows on a tree that can reach heights of up to 50 feet. The flowers of the fruit are beautiful, quite fragrant and white in color, and are used in some countries for perfumes. Pummelos are sweeter than grapefruit, are somewhat tangy, and are very large with thick skin. In Asia, the skin of the pummelo is consumed by people who have problems with excessive coughing.

Pummelos are eaten raw and cooked - desserts, salads and for fresh juice for beverages. Nutritionally, pummelos are low in calories, do not contain cholesterol, fat or sodium, and are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Pummelos are native to southeastern Asia and Malaysia, and grow wild on river banks in Fiji. Records indicate that this fruit has been cultivated for over 3,000 years - considered the largest and oldest variety of citrus in the world! Pummelos are also called shaddock after an English sea captain - Captain Shaddock - who introduced the seed to the West Indies in the 17th Century.

Pummelos can range in size from a honeydew melon to as large as a 25 pound watermelon! Pummelos are very popular for the Chinese New Year (January 22, 2004 - the year of the Monkey) - pummelos are considered a sign of prosperity and good fortune - good things will happen if you eat the pummelo.

For a refreshing start to your day:

1 large Pummelo
Peel and separate into the large segments. Remove all fibrous membranes, plate and chill for about 1 hour. Serve on a bed of crushed ice.