The Texas Red Grapefruit Tree has a History that’s Legendary

July 26, 2012 robot Fitness

 

A legendary European seafarer Captain Haddock allegedly brought seeds from “the forbidden fruit” in the 1700s from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean where it began to be planted in Jamaica and Barbados.  This sub-topical hybrid of pummelo and sweet orange would become immensely popular as its own industry two centuries later as the grapefruit.

 

It was so called because it grows on a tree in grape-like clusters.  Its Latin genus is “citrus paradisi” and is classified as hesperidium, or berry.  Researchers believe Spanish missionaries brought the seeds from the West Indies to U.S. shores across the Southwest, landing finally in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.  Grapefruit had only been grown as popular fragrant and ornamental plants through the 1800’s.  

 

But towards the turn of the century, the “Father of the Citrus Industry”, John H. Shary, an agriculturist, discovered the delicious properties of the pink and white grapefruit and set about using his knowledge of the era’s most up to date scientific and modern irrigation techniques to cultivate the first Texas groves.  In 1993 the Texas red grapefruit officially became the Texas state fruit.

 

Grapefruit is a very important agricultural industry to the U.S. and Texas.  Its produce is rigorously maintained through state of heart science, research and development.  After being tree-ripened to perfection the fruit is handpicked, washed, inspected and graded then shipped off to vendors all over the U.S. and Canada.

 

South Texas, with its sub-tropical climate, year round sunshine and fertile soil are the perfect conditions for a grapefruit grove to grow and thrive.  Grapefruit are also produced in Florida, Arizona and California. The best-selling, most in demand, is the sweet, juicy Texas red variety from Texas. 

 

For proper cultivation, grapefruit groves require sub-tropical climates.     The trees are evergreen with dark colored leaves.  Grapefruit trees are very tall, averaging 16-20 feet but have been known to grow as high as 49 feet. there are many varieties and sub-varieties of grapefruit, including white, pink and red, and the pulps have varying degrees of sweetness, tartness, bitterness and acidity.

 

Caring for your own grapefruit tree is a big responsibility, and it’s important to plant it in the right climate for the best growing conditions.  Grapefruit trees produce best in full sun so they should be planted on the south or southeast of your house or building with a least 12 feet of room for the tree to grow and mature.  Avoid overhanging shade trees nearby.   A slow, thorough watering every one or two weeks should be enough, and a healthy grapefruit tree will redevelop its own natural shape without pruning.  Consult your local nursery or garden supply for questions about nitrogen content and fertilizer.

 

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