How to Cut and Peel a Pomelo

Remove the rind from this tasty citrus

Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: September 20, 2024 Approved

A pomelo is a giant citrus fruit. It tastes a lot like grapefruit, but less bitter ^{[1]
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Research source}. In order to get to that sweet flesh, however, you have to cut and peel past a very thick rind, and the bitter membranes that separate each slice.

Things You Should Know

Cut off the end of the pomelo where the stem emerges, slicing about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) into the rind.
Cut the rind into 7-8 vertical sections. Use your fingers to pull each section away from the fruit.
Insert a finger into the dimple or opening at 1 end of the pomelo, then pull the sections apart.

Steps

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The knife should cut about 1/2 an inch into the rind.^{[2]
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Again, cut about 1/2 an inch into the rind. Pull the slices off the fruit. Dig your fingers underneath the slice at the top (where you cut the cap) and pull each one firmly away. It feels almost like working with styrofoam.^{[3]
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Pull the bottom of the "rind flower" off of the fruit. You'll be left with a much smaller fruit, covered in white membrane.^{[4]
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- If you have a compost pile, throw the rind in there. Or, you can make a marmalade from it, or it can be candied.
It should start breaking into slices. Some force (prying) is required. You can make this easier by cutting away some of the tough membrane surrounding the fruit, but this isn't necessary, and you risk cutting into the flesh (which is not good if you want neat slices).^{[5]
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Pull away the membrane that surrounds each slice. It helps a lot to cut the membrane that runs along the center of the fruit, and the membrane at each end--that way, all you have left are "flaps" between each slice.^{[6]
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- The membrane along the bottom of the slice (exterior of the fruit) will be hard to remove, and is better left on the flesh if you want the slices to stay intact.
- Otherwise, pull the flesh away from the membrane in chunks and direct those chunks into your mouth, or Make Thai Pomelo Salad With Grilled Prawns.

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Question

What does a pomelo taste like?

Community Answer

To me, it tastes like a very delicious grapefruit. (However, like grapefruit, some of them are sweeter than others.)

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Can I eat pomelo if I take cholesterol medication?

Community Answer

Pomelo contains what is known as furanocoumarins, which can increase the effects of an array of medications, including cholesterol-lowering agents. Do not consume pomelo if you are taking cholesterol medication.

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How do I store a pomelo?

Community Answer

Place it in an airtight container like a zippered storage bag or plastic container and store it in a cool place that doesn't get much sunlight, like a refrigerator.

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Tips

You might feel a tingling sensation on the tip of your tongue. This is not something to be alarmed about.

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One fruit is enough for 2-4 people.

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You can really cut the rind off any way you want, so feel free to experiment.

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Hitting the outside of the fruit, bouncing it on the counter, and rolling it (with pressure) on the counter all help to make the fruit wedges come out easier.

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