The pomelo, actually a very modern cross between the pomelo and the grapefruit, is - like other citrus fruits - grown worldwide in the so-called “citrus belt”. This term means the subtropical areas between approximately 20 and 40 degrees of latitude north and south of the equator.
When is pomelo season?
The pomelo season in German supermarkets mainly extends from November to April. In winter the fruits come mainly from Israel, while in summer South Africa is the main supplier. Honey pomelos are available between October and April.
Main pomelo growing areas
The cross-breed product Pomelo is primarily grown in Israel and South Africa, from where it reaches our supermarkets all year round. In winter the pomelo comes mainly from Israel and in summer from South Africa. However, the peak season for pomelo in German supermarkets is between November and April. However, not all pomelo are the same, because there are a number of different varieties that are also increasingly being delivered to Germany at different times. The rule is that the varieties with lighter flesh taste more bitter than those with red or pink flesh.
What is a Honey Pomelo?
The Honey Pomelo is a special breed and is grown exclusively in southern China. However, the fruit, also known as honey pomelo, is not a pomelo as described here, but rather a variant of the grapefruit. After all, this is often referred to as “pomelo” in English and therefore does not mean the same fruit as in German. The Honey Pomelo is only available between October and April and has a honey-sweet taste with a slightly tart note.
What is a Thai pomelo?
The pomelo is one of the traditional Thai fruits and can be found everywhere there (as well as in Malaysia and Indonesia). However, this is not the cross-breeding product pomelo, but the good old grapefruit. The misleading name comes from English. By the way, the southern Chinese honey pomelo is a variant of the Thai pomelo (or more correctly: grapefruit). In contrast to the pomelo, which comes from Israel, the grapefruit is native to Southeast Asia. Like the pomelo, the grapefruit is in season all year round, but is difficult to find in German supermarkets.
Tips & Tricks
The honey pomelos in particular become more expensive at the beginning and end of the season, but the fruits are cheaper around Christmas.
