How to Cut Grapefruit

5 from 68 votes

Learn how to cut a grapefruit like a pro. Whether you're cutting for a snack or recipe, this tutorial will show you how to do it efficiently!

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Here’s an easy way to cut grapefruits into pretty, snackable segments. This is called “supreming,” pronounced the French way rhyming “prem” with “stem.” But any way you say it, the method minimizes the fruit’s famous bitterness by getting rid of most of the pith.

Slicing off top of grapefruit on cutting board
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Typical citrus, grapefruits are full of vitamin C, but that is not all! They also have fiber, vitamin A, calcium and potassium!

Tips for buying the best grapefruit

  1. Find heavy fruit, they are the juiciest.
  2. Look for shiny skins to signal freshness.
  3. Look for grapefruit that appears plump – as if it is about to burst.
  4. Press on the fruit; it should give a little.

How to cut grapefruit

Remove the peel

  • Place the grapefruit on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice off the top.
  • Then, slice some off the bottom, too.
  • Stand the grapefruit up so the flesh is exposed, and begin to cut the skin off following the contour of the grapefruit and the white pith.
  • Repeat this peeling technique using the exposed contour of the white pith as your guide.
Tutorial to show how to cut grapefruit

Segment

  • Look for the lines between each segment.
  • Carefully hold the grapefruit in your hand and cut down between those lines or membrane and the segment.
  • Once you reach the center of the grapefruit, stop and make a second angled cut in a similar way. The segment should pop right out.
  • Repeat working your way around the grapefruit until you remove all the segments.
4 image collage to show how to slice grapefruit into segments

Recipes with grapefruit

Frequently asked questions

How should I store whole, fresh grapefruit?

If you plan on eating within a week, they can be stored at room temperature. To keep for three to four weeks, place in a plastic bag ideally in your vegetable crisper.

How long does cut grapefruit last in the refrigerator?

Cut grapefruit will last three to four days in the refrigerator.

What type of grapefruit is the sweetest?

Ask the Food Geek has looked deeply into this and recommends varieties with deep red flesh like Ruby or Rio Red. Also look for larger, late season fruit that have had more time to ripen on the vine.

Any citrus can be supremed. It makes any fruit look gorgeous on the plate.

Segmented grapefruit on a white plate

For more resources for cutting tutorials:

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How to Cut Grapefruit

Learn how to cut a grapefruit like a pro. Whether you're cutting for a snack or recipe, this tutorial will show you how to do it efficiently!
5 from 68 votes
Servings 1 serving
Course Ingredient
Calories 108
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 grapefruit

Instructions

  • Place the grapefruit on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off a half inch of the top and bottom of the orange.
  • Stand the grapefruit up so the flesh is exposed and begin to cut the skin off following the contour of the grapefruit and the white pith.
  • Repeat the peeling technique using the exposed contour of the white pith as your guide.
  • Take note of the membrane in between each segment.
  • Using a sharp paring knife, carefully hold the grapefruit in your hand, cut downward between the membrane and the segment. Once you reach the center of the grapefruit, stop and make a second angled cut in a similar way. And the segment should pop right out.
  • Repeat working your way around the grapefruit until you remove all the segments.

Notes

Storage: Store cut grapefruit in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Cut grapefruit will keep well frozen for 6 months. It can be thawed before enjoying or use frozen in smoothies.
Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Potassium: 346mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 2944IU, Vitamin C: 80mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient

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