Pomelo , scientifically classified asCitrus maximaorCitrus grandis , belongs to the Rutaceae family , which encompass all citrus specie , let in orange ( Citrus sinensis ) , lemons ( Citrus limon ) , and grapefruits ( Citrus × paradisi ) . As one of the original citrus specie , it ’s aboriginal to Southeast Asia and South Asia , decided from hybrid like grapefruit , which arose from a crossbreed between pomelo and mellifluous orangeness . The genusCitrusreflects its share traits with other citrus , while “ maxima ” or “ grandis ” foreground its status as the big citrus fruit . It ’s an evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , closely related toCitrus aurantium(bitter orange tree ) , and serves as a genetic ancestor for many New citrus cultivars .
Pomelo ’s story date back over 2,000 year , originating in Southeast Asia , likely Malaysia or Indonesia , where it grew furious before domestication . It was cultivated in China by at least 100 BCE , referenced in ancient texts like theShijing(Book of Odes ) as a prized fruit , often used in rituals and as endowment symbolizing prosperity . By the twelfth hundred , Arab bargainer spread it westward to Persia and the Mediterranean , though it remained rare in Europe . European explorers , including British captain Philip Shaddock in the 17th one C — whose name stuck as “ shaddock”—introduced it to the Caribbean and beyond during compound ocean trip . Today , it ’s a cultural icon in Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia , with modern refinement centered in Thailand , Vietnam , and southern China .
Pomelo is a large , evergreen citrous fruit Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grow 15 - 50 feet ( 5 - 15 metre ) tall , with a rounded canopy , thorny branches , and glossy , sorry green leaves up to 8 inches long . The fruit is massive — up to 30 centimeter ( 12 inches ) wide and 2 - 10 kg ( 4 - 20 lbs)—with a dense , green - to - yellow rind ( 1 - 2 inch ) that ’s spongy and peel easily . at heart , the flesh range from pale yellow to pink or red , segmented like an orange but drier and less luscious , with a grain that ’s firm yet ship’s boat when ripe . Bitter membranes separate the segments , often discarded . The predilection is milder and sweeter than grapefruit , lacking the precipitous bitter , with a subtle tartness and floral undertones ; sweetness varies by cultivar ( for instance , Thai Honey White is sugary , while red varieties are tangier ) .
Citrus maximathrives in tropical and semitropical climates , best suit to USDA zones 9 - 11 , where temperatures stay above 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) year - round for logical growth and fruiting . It tolerates brief dips to 28 ° F ( -2 ° C ) but suffers scathe below this , making freeze shelter of the essence in fringy areas . In zones 8b-9 , it can be grown in containers and impress indoors during winter , though fruit product may lessen outside optimal lovingness ( 70 - 90 ° degree Fahrenheit or 21 - 32 ° C ) . It postulate full Dominicus ( 6 - 8 hours day by day ) and well - run out , slimly acidic soil ( pH 5.5 - 6.5 ) , perform well in humid , showery regions with annual hurry of 1200 - 1800 mm , as in its aboriginal Southeast Asiatic range .
