Methods On How To Cut A Grapefruit – GimmeTasty.com

I know the feeling! You’re craving for grapefruit and desperately trying to cut one open, but it is taking so long you are starting to drool. It is so frustrating to know that you could have gorged on the fruit already, if only you’d mastered the art of cutting it.

But hold right there… it is not hopeless, after all. Here are some methods to cut a grapefruit that you can learn, so let’s try opening one together!

More…

How To Cut A Grapefruit

Here Is What You Need

• A cutting board (my favorite is a wooden one).
• A sharp knife!
• A towel (a paper one is convenient).
• And of course, your grapefruit!

Cut It Into Segments

I know that you’ll have your own preference as to how you like it cut, but let’s start with this method. It is nice to see a grapefruit already cut into pieces, especially in wedges or segments. 

Whatever the methods, grapefruit is always nutritious and delicious. So do you want to grab one and quench your thirst?

How To Do It?

1. Wash the grapefruit first. You are going to cut through it, so make sure it’s clean.
2. Starting at the top, cut the grapefruit all the way down to the bottom.
3. Now you have 2 halves. Take the peel off (with your hands), one half, then the other. Peel it away, exposing the inside.
4. See the soft, thick part? This is called the pith. Take it out as much as you can, leaving behind just the good clean fruit.
5. Slowly slice a segment of the grapefruit. Do this carefully until it loosens apart from the membrane. Do it again to the other segments until they are all separated.

Other Preference

Some people like to stop at the stage where the fruit is cut into halves and don’t want to learn how to cut a grapefruit any further. Instead, they just take a grapefruit spoon and scoop the fruit out from each segment. This is perfectly fine. If you really can’t wait anymore, dig in!

Tips

• It is better to use a knife (rather than your hand) when separating the fruit from the membrane. It is a precise method, so you will not lose much fruit in the process.
• Use your bare hands while peeling, since using a knife usually cuts the membrane and the juice comes out. Apart from wasting the juice, there is also more wiping to do.
• If you prefer to do this with a knife, there will be a lot of fruit that remains stuck in the membrane, which will fall off or be squished. Collect those tidbits, then take a glass and squeeze the juice out. In an instant!

Cut It Into Slices (Flower Cut)

We all have different choices as to how we like our grapefruit cut up. It’s perfect for nibbles and snacks.

Cutting it into segments maybe a little bit complicated for you, so here is another method that will simplify your life. Some people call it the “flower cut” (since it looks like a flower). This way, you can cut the fruit into slices in a jiffy!

How To Do It?

1. Wash the grapefruit properly – you are going to cut through the fruit so make sure it starts clean.
2. Put the grapefruit on the cutting board with the ends at either side.
3. Using your sharp knife, start cutting it from the center.
4. Cut each slice with your preferred thickness, but 1/4″ is usually nice to look at, especially if you are going to arrange it on a platter (The number of slices depends on their thickness and the size of your fruit).

Other Preference

If the sliced grapefruit is not easy to bite yet, people tend to cut it up more into tiny triangle pieces, similar to how you cut pizza.

This is very suitable for drinks (it is the usual fruit that you’ll see decorated in the glasses) or as a garnish.

Tips

• Sprinkling sugar or salt on top of the grapefruit can enhance its sweet, tangy taste. Try it and you will be asking for more. I choose salt on mine.

Cut It Into Wedges

This method is like a short cut that’s even quicker than the “cut into segments” style and is ideal for busy people in a hurry or those who just want to cut it simply. It saves time and effort as it is faster and easier.

How To Do It?

1. Starting at the top, cut the grapefruit all the way down to the bottom.
2. Cut it into quarters, following the part where the membranes’ are being divided. (Mine has 8 quarters).
3. Cut each at one end (across the line between the skin and the fruit).
4. Use the part where you have cut it across and peel the skin (the purpose of cutting it is to make it easier to peel). Guide it gently with your hand so that you do not press on the fruit. It is now ready to eat!

Other Preference

Some people would like to stop at step#2 and eat them in quarters, with the peel still attached. If you are really desperate (drooling to the max), go ahead and suck it! You will see why some call them SMILE wedges!

Tips

• If you really like a pith-free process, take it off around the edges before you start peeling, which should make it easier.
• If you take the seeds off right after the cutting is quicker and easier. You will find that some of it will just fall off. So do it at the end.

Related Information

• Well, I only use an ordinary knife and spoon when preparing my own grapefruit, but check out the market if you want to be kept updated on the latest kitchen gadgets. You could try the “grapefruit knife” and “grapefruit spoon”, which both have saw-like features designed to loosen the segments (knife) and minimize the spray (spoon).
• Can you eat grapefruit pith? If you are short of time and have cut the fruit quickly, you may not be able to take all the pith from the fruit. It may taste bitter, but it is completely safe. Help yourself with this link.

Now you know how to cut a grapefruit. It would be awesome if you would know how to store a grapefruit too! There are techniques that you can follow to enjoy more grapefruit whenever you want. Check out this link:

• 7 Techniques On How To Store Grapefruit

Is it already in season? Grapefruit is available all the year round so you can test your cutting skills at anytime.

What is the method you like most? Are you the type who wants to prepare it thoroughly or do you want it quick? Do you like it on a salad garnish or with your drinks?

Knowing the different methods could help you, especially when you are hosting a party. Mastering how it is done can save you time, not to mention the presentations you can make out of the different cutting styles.

Whatever the size or kind of your favorite grapefruit, all of these methods are applicable. You are free to share your cutting experience with us or comment right away for a faster feedback! Share this with everybody who loves eating and is desperate to learn how to cut grapefruit!