Pomelo and Grapefruit Peel Tea
Pomelo and grapefruit are special fruits that we don’t have to discard any part. In addition to the flesh inside, the peel and pith of the pomelo and grapefruit can be processed into food and drinks. Among these, pomelo/grapefruit peel tea is a simple yet beneficial drink for health, such as supporting weight loss and lowering blood cholesterol levels. Let’s learn about the benefits of pomelo/grapefruit peel tea and how to make it at home.
Table of Contents
What is pomelo/grapefruit peel tea?
Pomelo/grapefruit peel tea is an herbal tea made from the peel of the pomelo or grapefruit after processing. It has a light yellow color, a slightly bitter and spicy taste, and a distinctive citrus aroma. If you love the fragrance of citrus, pomelo or grapefruit peel tea will be a fitting choice for you.
Difference from Pomelo and Grapefruit
Pomelo is a tropical fruit and is considered to be the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. Grapefruit is the result of an accidental cross between sweet orange and pomelo.
Pomelos are larger than grapefruits. A typical pomelo can weigh between 1-2 kilograms (2-4 pounds), whereas grapefruits are usually smaller and lighter. They also have thicker and more spongy pith compared to grapefruits. While pomelo skin is usually pale green to yellow when ripe, while grapefruit skin can be yellow, pink, or red.
Both pomelo and grapefruit peels have quite similar medicinal components, being rich in Vitamin C, essential oils, antioxidants, and fiber. Let’s explore their benefits below.
How to Make Pomelo/Grapefruit Peel Tea
Overall, making pomelo and grapefruit peel tea is very simple. You just need a little time to peel the pomelo/grapefruit, slice it into thin strips, and process them with salt and water. To prepare, you need 1-2 fresh pomelos/grapefruit, a knife, a cutting board, salt, and a pot of water.
Grapefruit/pomelo peel tea will be of the best quality when you use fresh fruits with green or bright yellow/orange, firm peels. If possible, use organic pomelos/grapefruits to ensure they are pesticide-free.
Step-by-step Instruction
Step 1. Slice the Pomelo/Grapefruit Peel
- Wash the pomelo/grapefruit, then peel off the outer green or yellow layer. Note to peel a thin layer to get the pomelo/grapefruit skin only, not the white pith between the peel and the flesh of the pomelo/grapefruit. Then, slice the peel into thin strips and soak them in saltwater. Mix saltwater at a ratio of 1 part salt to 10 parts water.
Step 2. Squeeze, Rinse, and Blanch the Peel
- After slicing, squeeze and rinse the pomelo/grapefruit peel in saltwater 2-3 times to clean the essential oils and impurities. Then, boil a pot of water. When the water boils, blanch the pomelo/grapefruit peel until the water boils again, then turn off the heat and rinse the peel with cold water.
Step 3. Brew the Tea and Preserve
- After step 2, you can use the fresh pomelo/grapefruit peel to brew tea. Take a small amount of the peel (about 15-20g) and brew with 200ml of water. You can enhance the flavor by brewing pomelo/grapefruit peel tea with chamomile, goji berries, honey and so on. The fresh pomelo/grapefruit peel, after blanching, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
- To preserve the pomelo/grapefruit peel for a longer time, dry the peel. If there is natural sunlight, dry the peel for about 2-3 days until completely dry. Alternatively, you can dry the peel in the oven at 100-110°C (212-230°F) for about 1 hour.
Notes on Using Pomelo/Grapefruit Peel Tea
Like many other herbal teas, drinking pomelo/grapefruit peel tea can provide numerous health benefits if used correctly and in moderation. On the contrary, overconsumption of pomelo peel tea may have adverse effects.
For those with digestive disorders, drinking pomelo peel tea before meals can cause stomach discomfort due to the high citric acid content in the peel. Additionally, drinking too much pomelo peel tea can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, potentially increasing the risk of fatty liver disease.
Here are some notes for using pomelo peel tea correctly:
- If you use peels from non-organically grown pomelo/grapefruit, there may be pesticide residues on the peel. To ensure safety, wash and blanch the peel thoroughly before brewing tea.
- You should only consume less than 500ml of pomelo/grapefruit peel tea per day, brewed from about 40-60g of fresh peel or 20-30g of dried one.
- Drink pomelo/grapefruit peel tea after meals, especially for those with digestive disorders or stomach pain.
- If you have any health issues or are taking medication, consult your doctor before using pomelo peel tea during this time.
Pomelo/Grapefruit Peel Tea
Ingredients
- 2 big pomelos/grapefruits
- 2-4 tbsp salt
- 1 L water
Instructions
Step 1. Slice the Pomelo/Grapefruit Peel
- Wash the pomelo/grapefruit, then peel off the outer green or yellow layer. Note to peel a thin layer to get the pomelo/grapefruit skin only, not the white pith between the peel and the flesh of the pomelo/grapefruit. Then, slice the peel into thin strips and soak them in saltwater. Mix saltwater at a ratio of 1 part salt to 10 parts water.
Step 2. Squeeze, Rinse, and Blanch the Peel
- After slicing, squeeze and rinse the pomelo/grapefruit peel in saltwater 2-3 times to clean the essential oils and impurities. Then, boil a pot of water. When the water boils, blanch the pomelo/grapefruit peel until the water boils again, then turn off the heat and rinse the peel with cold water.
Step 3. Brew the Tea and Preserve
- After step 2, you can use the fresh pomelo/grapefruit peel to brew tea. Take a small amount of the peel (about 15-20g) and brew with 200ml of water. You can enhance the flavor by brewing pomelo/grapefruit peel tea with chamomile, goji berries, honey and so on. The fresh pomelo/grapefruit peel, after blanching, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
- To preserve the pomelo/grapefruit peel for a longer time, dry the peel. If there is natural sunlight, dry the peel for about 2-3 days until completely dry. Alternatively, you can dry the peel in the oven at 100-110°C (212-230°F) for about 1 hour.
Video
Nutrition
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