Citrus x paradisi ‘Melogold’

Melogold Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi 'Melogold') is a distinctive grapefruit cultivar intentionally bred from a cross between a pomelo (pummelo) and a grapefruit to produce large, attractive fruit with a thin peel, low acidity, and a mild, sweet flavor.

Melogold is a triploid hybrid of Acidless pomelo and a 4N seedy Marsh grapefruit. It was developed at the University of California, Riverside by Drs. Cameron and Soost.

Melogold Grapefruit is often compared to the related cultivar ‘Oroblanco’ due to similarities in interior color and texture. However, ‘Melogold’ differs in several key ways, including a thinner, more golden peel, larger fruit size, and slightly higher juice content. The fruit is notably large and flattened at the ends, typically measuring up to 15 cm (6 in) wide and 12 cm (4.7 in) in height, with an average weight of 470g (>1 lb) - heavier than many other grapefruit varieties. The fruit holds well on the tree.

The peel is smooth to slightly pebbled, glossy, and dotted with aromatic oil glands. Its exterior colour ripens from green to bright yellow late in the season. Inside, the flesh is pale yellow and divided into 12–14 easily separable segments by thin membranes. This golden grapefruit may contain a few seeds but is generally seedless.

Renowned for its sweet, mellow flavor, Melogold Pomelo lacks the sharp bitterness and high acidity typical of traditional grapefruit. It is excellent for fresh eating straight out of hand and works beautifully in fruit bowls, green salads, or as a topping for yogurt, granola, or ice cream. It is also well suited for preserves such as jams, jellies, and marmalades, as well as baking. The juice is this yellow grapefruit frequently used to flavor cocktails, sparkling beverages, and smoothies.

The Melogold Grapefruit tree features glossy, dark green evergreen foliage and produces highly fragrant white flowers in spring, which attract pollinators in abundance. Melogold Grapefruit is grown on Flying Dragon rootstock which keeps the plants below 1.8 m (6 ft) and induces early fruit production – sometimes producing the first year.

Ideal for container growing, place Melogold Grapefruit tree in full sun, in an area such as a patio or deck where you can enjoy the sweet floral fragrance and harvest fruit with ease. It is hardy to zone 9a (-6.5 °C). Move the container indoors before frost and position it in a bright, sunny location to enjoy a touch of the tropics all winter long. Melagold Pomelo tree is self-fertile, though hand pollination with a small brush can help improve fruit set if blooms appear indoors during winter.

The name ‘Melogold’ is believed to derive from “mellow” reflecting its gentle flavor, and “gold” highlighting its bright yellow coloration.

Note: many common drugs interact with grapefruit. Review your medications with a healthcare provider before consuming to rule out this common drug-food interaction.