The pomelo, actually a very modern cross between the grapefruit and the pomelo, is - like other citrus fruits - grown worldwide in the so-called "citrus belt". This term means the subtropical areas between the 20th and 40th latitude north and south of the equator.
Main growing areas of pomelo
The hybrid product Pomelo is mainly grown in Israel and South Africa, from where it finds its way into our supermarkets all year round. In winter, the Pomelo comes mainly from Israel, in summer from South Africa. However, the pomelo is in high season in German supermarkets between November and April. However, Pomelo is not just Pomelo, because there are a number of different varieties that are also increasingly being delivered to Germany at different times. The varieties with lighter flesh taste tart than those with red or pink.
What is a honey pomelo?
The honey pomelo is a special breed and is only grown in southern China. The fruit, also known as honey pomelo, is not a pomelo as described here, but a variant of the grapefruit. After all, this is often referred to as "pomelo" in English and thus does not mean the same fruit as in German. The Honey Pomelo is only available between October and April and has a honey-sweet taste with a slightly tart note.
What is a Thai pomelo?
The pomelo is one of the traditional Thai fruits and can be found everywhere there (as well as in Malaysia and Indonesia). However, this is not the hybrid product Pomelo, but the good old grapefruit. The misleading name comes from English. Incidentally, the southern Chinese honey pomelo is a variant of the Thai pomelo (or more correctly: grapefruit). In contrast to the pomelo, which originated in Israel, the grapefruit is native to Southeast Asia. Like the pomelo, the grapefruit is in season all year round, but is difficult to find in German supermarkets.
tips and tricks
At the beginning and end of the season, honey pomelos in particular become more expensive, while the fruits are cheaper around Christmas.
IJA