Pomelo
On hot sunny days, our elder sisters would cut out the pomelo fruits. We would mix red chilli powder and salt and sprinkle it over the sliced fruit.
— Lungmying Lepcha, Manipur
What is it?
Pomelo is known to be the largest citrus fruit in the world. It has a thick, pale green or yellow coloured skin. The edible flesh is red, white, or pink. It tastes similar to a grapefruit but is less bitter and acidic.
What other names does it have?
Botanical Name: Citrus maxima
Regional Names: Sohmongor (Khasi), Chakotra (Hindi, Marathi), Sadaphal (Hindi), Jambura (Bengali), Bamlimas (Tamil), Phokshay (Lepcha), Batapi Lebu (Odia)
When is it in season?
Where is it found?
Native to South and Southeast Asian countries like India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, a pomelo tree can grow in a wide variety of soils, from coarse sand to heavy clay. However, it is said to grow best in warm subtropical to tropical conditions with pH between 5.5 to 6.5 and temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.
What is its history/cultural significance?
The pomelo is believed to have originated in Southeast Asian counties, in the wild, and later spread across the world by cultivation in countries like the United States, China, India, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. The fruit is considered auspicious, given as gifts and used in ceremonies during the Chinese New Year as well as Indian festivals like Chhath Puja. The pomelo from Devanahalli, Karnataka, has received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag.
How can you use it?
Pomelo is rich in antioxidants, A, C, E and B vitamins, and other essential nutrients such as protein and minerals. The peel of the fruit is also considered beneficial as it contains essential oils.
What states can I find it in?
What parts of the plant are edible?
Fruit
Is it nutritious?
Pomelo is rich in antioxidants, A, C, E and B vitamins, and other essential nutrients such as protein and minerals. The peel of the fruit is also considered beneficial as it contains essential oils.
How do you store it?
The fruit can be kept out in cool temperatures to maintain its firmness and aroma, or can be refrigerated in the crisper drawer for up to 3 months.
Stories:
Central Citrus Research Institute releases pummelo and grapefruit-variety by The Times of India
This article explores the availability of the varieties of pomelo and grapefruit which can withstand the extreme climatic conditions of Central India, to the farmers who grow the fruit, and eventually the markets where it is sold.
Recipes:
Pomelo Salad- Bengali Style by Kangana Saxena
A raw salad comprising onions, chillies, and fresh cilantro—Jambura Makha or Batabi Ledbury Makha.
‘Know Your Desi Ingredients’ is an ever-expanding repository of knowledge for ingredients that are native to the Indian subcontinent and adapted into the mainstream culinary narratives of people, places, and cultures across India. If you would like to share more information about the write-ups featured here, send us an email at connect@thelocavore.in with your inputs and any verified sources we should look into.