The grapefruit acquired its name in the early nineteenth century because its fruit grows in clusters like grapes; the word grape, in fact, once meant cluster.
The grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is characterized by its large size and yellow skin. Its origins can be traced back to China and the East Indies, and it is now grown in many hot countries around the world. While it shares some similarities with the orange in appearance, its flesh is typically yellow or pink in color. Unlike oranges, grapefruit can range in size from that of a large orange to several pounds in weight. Additionally, the thickness of the skin can vary, and most grapefruit contain a number of seeds.