Citrus maxima (Pomelo)

Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis, Pomelo, Pommelo, Pummelo

Botanical names: Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis

Common names: Pomelo, Pommelo, Pummelo

Origin: Malaysia

This giant citrus is also cultivated in California and Israel. Most of the varieties found today have been bred and grown. A large pomelo is the largest of all citrus. They can grow to be as large as a foot in diameter and up to 25 pounds. The rind is very thick but soft and easy to peel away. The resulting fruit is light yellow to coral-pink flesh and can vary from juicy to slightly dry and from seductively spicy-sweet to tangy and tart. The pomelo is also known as a shaddock. The pomelo tree is spiny, spreading and grows to a height of 50 ft. The leaves are dark green and shiny and the flowers are white and strongly scented. The fruit is large, 4" to 12" in diameter, globose or pearshaped.