How to cut a pomelo correctly

Pomelo is a type of citrus fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical regions like Vietnam, Thailand, and more. While it looks quite similar to a grapefruit, pomelo has a thick pith, making it harder to cut compared to oranges and grapefruits. Let’s explore how to cut a pomelo effortlessly!

What is a pomelo

Pomelo, also called shaddock, is a large citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is the largest member of the citrus family and is known for its thick, spongy peel and sweet, mildly tangy flesh. Pomelos come in various colors, ranging from pale green to yellow when ripe, with flesh that can be white, pink, or red, depending on the variety.

A similar citrus fruit, grapefruit, is actually a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo. To distinguish between the two, you can look at the color of their peel: grapefruit has a yellow-orange peel, while pomelo typically has a yellow-green peel. The flesh of grapefruit is reddish-orange, while pomelo’s flesh is paler. Pomelos are also larger in size compared to grapefruits.

Today, many varieties of pomelo are grown and consumed worldwide. Each pomelo-growing region often produces its own unique variety. In terms of flavor, all pomelo varieties share a distinct, pleasant citrus aroma, with a well-balanced sweet and tangy taste. The segments are large, thick, and can be easily separated by hand, much like peeling a mandarin.

How to Cut a Pomelo Correctly

As a Vietnamese person, I grew up with a pomelo tree in my backyard, and pomelos were among the most common fruits in my kitchen, alongside watermelon, guava, and mango. To enjoy the pomelo’s juicy flesh, you need to carefully remove the rind and pith without cutting into the flesh, then separate the segments for eating. Below is my step-by-step guide on how to peel a pomelo based on personal experience:

Step 1. Remove the Pomelo Peel

Both the rind and pith of a pomelo can be repurposed to make delicious desserts like candied pomelo peel, Vietnamese pomelo sweet soup, or pomelo peel tea. If you want to save them for these recipes, follow this method:

• Use a knife to peel off the outer rind.
• Make a shallow cut into the pith, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Then, gently peel the pith away by hand.

If you don’t plan to use the peel, you can simply cut off the entire peel, including the pith, using a sharp knife. Be careful to avoid cutting into the fruit inside.

• Option 1: Use a knife to remove the peel in large sections (as shown in photo 1).
• Option 2: Score the peel lightly with a knife, creating shallow cuts, then use your hands to separate and pull the peel off (as shown in photo 2).

Step 2. Separate the Pomelo Segments

After removing the peel, carefully use your hands to remove any remaining pith from around the segments until the segments are clearly visible. Once done, place your thumbs at the center of the fruit and gently pull it apart into halves.

Step 3. Peel the Pomelo Segments

Next, separate the segments one by one. Use scissors to make a small cut on the membrane of each segment (or you can simply tear it with your fingernails). Then, carefully peel off the membrane to reveal the juicy pomelo flesh inside.

Now, you can enjoy the sweet, tangy pomelo segments or store them in a container for later snacking.

Do you like this guide? Brighten my day byclicking the “save” button to have this article saved right on your Pinterest board. Also, let’s be friends on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok!