Scrumptious Baked Grapefruit

 

Years ago when I was in Junior High School, I took a required Home Ec class. One of the few things I still remember from that class was broiled or baked grapefruit. Back in the 1960’s it was a hot treat for a hostess to serve.

 

 

 

 

 

In my twenties, I moved to Florida and quickly discovered I loved fresh grapefruit. I bought a grapefruit knife and cut and ate countless grapefruits. I’ve eaten all kinds, but my favorite grapefruit is Ruby Reds.  Grapefruit has many health benefits. Many research studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like grapefruit decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.  Harvard Medical School states that grapefruit has a glycemic index of 25, suggesting that it does not significantly affect blood sugar and insulin levels

 

According to the FDA, the downside of grapefruit is its effect on medications you take. If you are on medication, discuss its interactions with grapefruit with your pharmacist or physician.  See the FDA’s guide for grapefruit and medication interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

Grapefruit served fresh is wonderful but I remembered my Home Ec class. The basic recipe I learned back in the ’60’s  was sugar sprinkled on the grapefruit and a quick time under the broiler in the oven. Top it with a maraschino cherry in the middle. Today I prefer maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar instead of sugar.  Honey is a  healthy, natural sweetener and provides many health benefits.  Agave nectar is another natural sweetener but much lower on the glycemic scale than maple syrup or honey. Agave nectar is the sap of the blue agave plant. This natural raw food is 25 percent sweeter than sugar yet has a low glycemic index range of 27 to 39, whereas sugar rates about 65. Substituting agave for sugar helps reduce overall caloric content in addition to consumption of refined sugar and doesn’t spike my sugar blood level.

The recipe below serves 1 with a whole grapefruit. Multiply by the number of people if this is the only breakfast dish. If you are serving it as part of a breakfast or brunch, 1/2 grapefruit is appropriate.  Sometimes I add a dash of cinnamon before broiling.  It’s perfect way to start the day and a wonderful addition to a brunch.

 

Baked Grapefruit

Use organic when available. Serves 1

You can adjust the basic recipe to fit your taste. Too tart? Add a dab more honey.  Love the tart? Cut back or eliminate the honey. Love baked bananas – add a few banana slices, etc.

 

Print

Baked Grapefruit

Baked grapefruit is the perfect way to start the day or as part of a brunch.
Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword baked grapefruit, grapefruit
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1 grapefruit
  • 2 tsp honey, maple syrup,  or agave nectar
  • Optional garnish: cinnamon sprinkles, banana slices, a strawberry, a blueberry, or a cherry

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 375 F
  • Using a grapefruit or paring knife, cut the grapefruit in half
  • Then cut around the grapefruit sections separating fruit from rind
  • Section grapefruit with the thin grapefruit knife cutting between sections but leave fruit in the rind
  • Spread 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar over the top of each half of grapefruit
  • Top with banana slices, a strawberry in the center, a fresh cherry, or a blueberry. (optional)
  • Sprinkle cinnamon on top (optional)
  • Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes until grapefruit is slightly brown

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

27 thoughts to “Scrumptious Baked Grapefruit”

  1. I love grapefruit and I bet it must taste delicious when it’s baked. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party.

  2. One of my granddaughters loves grapefruit. We were just talking about a similar recipe. Thanks for the reminder. This looks so good that I want to go to the store and buy some big juicy ones right now! LOL

  3. Baked Grapefruits? I don’t know this recipe, but I will try it! In Germany (specially in the winter/christmas time) we baked apples. It’s called “Bratapfel”

    1. I love baked apples! Well, apple anything is great. Grapefruit like most fruit has a wonderful taste when baked. I think the heat makes magic with the sugar. Hope you like it!

  4. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post at #OverTheMoon. I look forward to what you will share next week! Do something special. Give yourself a standing ovation today! We hope you’ll come back again next Sunday when we open our doors at 6:00 PM EST.

  5. Carol, this is something I’ve never heard of. I like grapefruit, but in the fall and winter I really like a warm breakfast. This would be perfect. I could still enjoy my grapefruit but it would warm me up and be a sweet treat. So cool can’t wait to try this.

  6. Wow! This is a blast from the past! I remember eating broiled grapefruit growing up. I haven’t had it for years. I may have to try it again! Thanks for the smile today 🙂

  7. I have never heard of baking a grapefruit…but I’m so intrigued now! I’m going to have to try this out,thanks for the experimental idea!

  8. Grapefruit is one of my favorite fruits to snack on. Now I’m wishing I’d bought a few when I was at the store this morning. Thanks for sharing your recipe and your story!

  9. I have never tried this before and I think I’d love this, we eat lot’s of grapefruits, especially in the winter! Thank you so much for sharing at Sweet Inspiration this week!

  10. Carol, I grew up smack dab in the middle of a citrus grove in S. Fl and have certainly ate my share of grapefruit. Which I love by the way … this looks amazing xo and what ever happened to Home Ec classes? I really think they should bring them back xo

    1. There is a crisis now because so many young adults do not know how to do simple things to take care of themselves. Trying to teach to pass a state standardized test is not healthy. There are so many things young people need to learn. Do they still have shop class?

  11. What a great idea! I find this time of the year especially I just crave grapefruit! Thank you for sharing with us at the To grandma’s house we go link party! Hope to see you there tomorrow when the new party starts!

  12. I love grapefruit and my mom used to serve it to me with a it of sugar sprinkled on top. And I’ve passed this on to my youngest daughter, who LOVES grapefruit too.

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