A Guide to Pomelo Fruit

What are Pomelos?

Originating in South and Southeast Asia, the pomelo fruit is known under several names which include shaddock, punmelos and pompelmoes. However, pomelo is the most commonly used name. When it comes to citrus fruit, pomelo is the largest you will find although the least citrusy and more sweet in taste. In a similar manner to chillies, it seems that citrus fruits tend to have a stronger zesty and acidic flavour the smaller they are in comparison to how chillies are generally spicier the smaller they are. 

The pomelo fruit can vary in appearance due to variety and specific origin. There are white pomelos, African shaddock pomelos, red pomelos, pink pomelos, honey pomelos and more. All varying in colour from green, yellow and orange thick skin. While the inner flesh of the fruit also comes in different colours depending on variety from white, yellow, blood-orange and pink hues. 

Do Pomelos Have Any Benefits?

Much like any other fruit, pomelos have a range of nutritional benefits that mean they not only taste delicious but they are a great choice to add to your meals and recipes for a more balanced and healthy diet. As a citrus fruit, pomelo are naturally an excellent source of vitamin C and many other antioxidants which are anti-inflammatory. When it comes to weight-loss, pomelos are a great choice for food due to their low calorie content for the volume of fruit that is consumed. 

What do pomelos taste like?

Just like they vary in appearance, pomelos also vary in taste. Some pomelo fruits have more sweet and floral flavours such as the honey pomelo, while others have a sweet but tangy flavour with notes of acidity. Pomelos fruit is distinctly unique in flavour compared to other citrus fruit family members, mainly due to the sweetness. While lemons and limes or lemons and grapefruits may be used interchangeably in terms of their zesty acidic flavour and pungence, pomelos can’t be substituted for other citrus fruits. 

How to eat pomelos? 

Like other citrus fruits, pomelos are well suited to raw and cooked, sweet or  savoury recipes - from baking into desserts and cakes, roasting or adding raw into salads or smoothies. When it comes to preparing pomelo, it’s important to first remove the skin and the pith from the fruit’s flesh before consumption. Small amounts of pith residue are fine, however, excessive amounts are inedible and can be bitter in taste. Whole, unpeeled Pomelos will keep for up to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

7 Ways to Eat/Use Pomelo Fruit

• Eaten fresh and dipped into Thai Prik Glua
• Chopped into salsa dip
• Added to fresh salads
• Blended into smoothies
• Muddled into cocktails or other beverages
• Simmered into jams/jellies
• Used to flavour cooking sauces/dips

Thai Recipes Using Pomelo Fruit

In a traditional Yam-Som O recipe, the pomelo is combined with a variety of traditional Thai ingredients such as Thai birds eye chilli, shrimp, fish sauce, tamarind juice or puree and coconut milk to make a deliciously refreshing and light salad. While in western culture Yam-Som O is served as an appetiser in restaurants and food settings, people in Thailand typically enjoy the salad as a hearty snack. Discover how to prepare Thai pomelo salad with our 1-click recipe!