PomeloPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized

Pomelo

Pomelos are a type of citrus fruits that are thought to be a precursor to the grapefruit. Sweeter than grapefruits, pomelos are an extremely rich source of vitamin C with well over 100% RDV. It contains bioflavonoids which can help fight cancer. Pomelos also help fight urinary tract infections as well as other types of infections. ¹

Taxonomy

Pomelos grow on the Citrus maxima tree,

Kingdom (Plantae) -→ Angiosperms -→Eudicots –> Rosids -→Order (Sapindales) → Family (Rutaceae) → Genus (Citrus) → Species (Citrus maxima)

Description

Pomelos grow on trees that can reach up to 25 feet in height. The leaves are medium green in color and glossy. The flowers are large and white in color. The fruits can be from 4 to 12 inches in diameter and green when unripe. As they ripen, the skin turns yellow in color. The pith inside can be very thick and the flesh is yellow or pink. Though related to the grapefruit, the pomelo is sweeter in flavor. ²

Distribution

The pomelo is native to Malaysia, Fiji, and other parts of southeastern Asia. Today it grows in tropical and subtropical environments around the world, such as China, the southern United States, Caribbean, Japan, India, Fiji, and Thailand. It is especially popular in China. ³They thrive under full sun with moist soil. The soil type and acidity level does not matter. ²

Nutritional Information

Pomelos are a good source of nutrition including dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals. They are extremely high in vitamin C and high in some B vitamins, potassium, and copper. ⁴Pomelos are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients. They have anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties and help boost the immune system.

Commercial Cultivation

Pomelos can be grown from seed or cuttings. If grown from seed, it can take eight years to produce fruit. ²Pomelos are harvested in the fall. ⁶

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Pomelos are susceptible to diseases and pests that attack citrus trees. Common diseases include citrus canker, melanose, greasy spot, root rot, and sooty mold. Common pests include aphids, citrus whitefly, orangedog caterpillars, citrus thrips, and brown soft scale.⁷

Sources

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1. http://www.healthbeckon.com/pomelo-fruit-benefits/

2. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pomelos/pomelo-tree-care.htm

3. http://whatscookingamerica.net/pomelo.htm

4. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2047/2

5. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/pomelo.html

6. http://www.baopomelo.com/news_detal_en.php?id=64

7. http://www.treehelp.com/citrus-insects-diseases/