Grapefruit Color Varieties - Red, Pink, White, Yellow

The Many Colors of Grapefruit

Grapefruit come in a vibrant range of exterior colors, including shades of yellow, pink, red, white and even dark purple or black. The interior grapefruit flesh also varies in pigments from pale yellow to bright pink and red hues.

Common Grapefruit Colors

Some of the most popular grapefruit color varieties include:

• White: Fully yellow skin and light yellow flesh
• Pink: Yellow skin with pink, red or ruby flesh
• Red: Reddish-purple skin with ruby red flesh
• Yellow: Golden yellow skin and flesh

What Determines Grapefruit Color?

The exterior and interior color of grapefruit is influenced by pigmentation. Flavonoids and lycopene are antioxidants that produce rich red and pink hues. Beta-carotene lends a golden orange color. The amount and type of pigments present affects the eventual color.

Pink and Red Grapefruit Varieties

Some grapefruit cultivars that are prized for their rosy pink or red color include:

• Ruby Red
• Rio Red
• Flame
• Redblush
• Star Ruby
• Ray Ruby

These all develop a bright interior color. The Ruby Red is one of the most popular pink grapefruits.

Unique Grapefruit Types

Beyond the common white, yellow, pink and red varieties, there are some uniquely colored grapefruit cultivars.

Purple and Black Grapefruit

There are very rare varietals that produce striking and extremely dark grapefruit. The Bordeaux grapefruit is one that can develop a dark purple to black exterior. The flesh inside is still brightly colored from lycopene and other antioxidants. These originate from the Caribbean and are mainly grown for novelty purposes.

Multi-Colored Grapefruit

Some hybrid grapefruits display an exciting mix or multicolor exterior look. Examples include:

• Tri-color: Combination of yellow, pink and white coloration on rind
• Marsh: Yellow and white rinds
• Melogold: Greenish-gold rind

Inside, these grapefruits still show typical pink, red or yellow flesh.

What Influences Grapefruit Color?

Several key factors determine the eventual exterior and interior color that develops in a grapefruit:

Grapefruit Variety Genetics

The specific cultivar and genetics primarily dictates color. Ruby red types will always yield pink fleshed fruit. Growing conditions can only alter this so much.

Climate and Temperature

Colder night temperatures tend to encourage richer red pigments in the fruit flesh and skin. Hot climates tend to produce paler varieties.

Location and Elevation

Where a grapefruit tree is situated can affect color too. Higher elevations and inland regions allow cold nights which boosts rosy pigments.

Fruit Ripeness Stage

As grapefruit ripen on the tree, they tend to develop darker, more vivid exterior coloration. Fully tree-ripened fruit has the deepest interior pink and red hues too.

Health Benefits by Grapefruit Color

While all grapefruit colors provide excellent nutrition, some interesting benefits are associated with the rich antioxidant pigments that create pink and red fleshed varieties.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Benefits

The bright red and pink grapefruit cultivars contain beneficial plant compounds called lycopene and anthocyanins. Research shows these antioxidants can:

• Reduce risk for heart disease
• Lower cholesterol
• Prevent cancer cell formation
• Improve inflammatory conditions
• Keep skin healthy

The vivid red pigments mark high levels of these protective compounds.

White and Yellow Grapefruit Benefits

While they lack some of the antioxidant content of red/pink varieties, white and yellow grapefruit still supply:

• Immune boosting vitamin C
• Over 15 beneficial plant compounds like naringin
• Fiber for healthy digestion
• Low calorie, hydrating food option

So while they don't display visually vibrant hues, these light colored fruits remain very healthy.

Do Grapefruit Colors Taste Different?

Pink and Red Grapefruit Flavor

The ruby varieties are typically considered among the sweetest grapefruit. They tend towards milder, less acidic flavor with just a slight bitterness compared to yellow types.

White and Yellow Grapefruit Flavor

These grapefruit embody classic tart, tangy citrus flavor. They have moderate sweetness paired with pronounced acidic brightness. So they offer more zing and traditional grapefruit taste.

Storing Grapefruit by Color Variety

How to Store Pink and Red Grapefruit

To retain maximum nutrition in the antioxidant-rich red/pink fleshed grapefruit, store them:

• At room temperature up to 1 week
• In refrigerator crisper drawer 10-14 days
• Freeze peeled segments in airtight bag or container up to 6 months

How to Store White and Yellow Grapefruit

The lighter yellow and white grapefruit can be kept:

• On counter 7-10 days
• In refrigerator 2-3 weeks
• In freezer up to 1 year

Proper storage preserves taste and extends shelf life regardless of flesh color.

Displaying Colorful Grapefruit

The eye-catching colors of grapefruit make them beautiful fruits to display. Heap a bowl with mixed white, yellow, pink and ruby red grapefruit for a visually stunning presentation. Or stack them in a wire basket, alternating red and yellow varieties. Float pink fleshed slices in a pitcher of water or hang a whole yellow fruit in a sheer bag from your kitchen ceiling.

However you choose to present them, grapefruits add a lively pop of color anywhere from tables to countertops. Their vivid hues brighten up any space while showcasing this healthy and delicious fruit.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.