Grapefruit vs. Pomelo
Both of them, Grapefruit and Pomelo belong to a similar family of citrus. Biologically speaking both of them hails from the similar genus citrus. They even belong to the same kingdom, order, and family. That is why they are often referred as the same, though at the same time they possess notable differences, which keeps them apart. Pomelo is the natural citrus fruit with binomial name Citrus Maxima as it hails from Genus: Citrus and Species: Maxima, whereas Grapefruit is subtropical citrus, which is a hybrid formed as a cross between sweet orange (C. sinesis) and pomelo (C. maxima). Pomelo is a native to South and Southeast Asia, whereas Grapefruit is originated from Barbados.

Key Differences
Pomelo peels are often used to make marmalades and flowers are used in perfume making.
Pomelo is a native to South and Southeast Asia, whereas Grapefruit is originated from Barbados.
Pomelo is the natural citrus fruit with binomial name Citrus Maxima as it hails from Genus: Citrus and Species: Maxima, whereas Grapefruit is subtropical citrus, which is a hybrid formed as a cross between sweet orange (C. sinesis) and pomelo (C. maxima).
China is the top producer of Grapefruit, while Malaysia is the top pomelo producer.
Few of the most prominent health benefits Grapefruit gives us are: regulating sugar level in diabetic patients, treating fatigue and malaria and providing relief from insomnia, whereas some of the health benefits Pomelo gives are boosting the immune system, aids in weight loss, and preventing anti-aging symptoms like wrinkles and age spots.
Comparison Chart
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Grapefruit is subtropical citrus, which is a hybrid formed as a cross between sweet orange (C. sinesis) and pomelo (C. maxima).
Pomelo is the natural citrus fruit with binomial name Citrus Maxima as it hails from Genus: Citrus and Species: Maxima.
Origin
Grapefruit is originated from Barbados.
Pomelo is a native to South and Southeast Asia.
Health Benefits
Few of the most prominent health benefits Grapefruit gives us are: regulating sugar level in diabetic patients, treating fatigue and malaria and providing relief from insomnia.
Some of the health benefits Pomelo gives are boosting the immune system, aids in weight loss, and preventing anti-aging symptoms like wrinkles and age spots.
Grapefruit and Pomelo Definitions
Grapefruit
A tropical or semitropical evergreen tree (Citrus paradisi) cultivated for its edible fruit.
Pomelo
A tropical Southeast Asian tree (Citrus maxima) closely related to the grapefruit and having very large round fruit with a thick rind and coarse-grained pulp.
Grapefruit
The large, round fruit of this tree, having a yellow rind and juicy, somewhat acid pulp.
Pomelo
The edible yellow fruit of this tree. In both senses also called shaddock.
Grapefruit
The tree of the species Citrus paradisi, a hybrid of pomelo (Citrus maxima) and sweet orange.
Pomelo
The large fruit of the Citrus maxima (syn. Citrus grandis), native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, with a thick green or yellow rind, a thick white pith, and semi-sweet translucent pale flesh.
Grapefruit
The large spherical tart fruit produced by this tree.
Pomelo
The tree which produces this fruit.
Grapefruit
A citrus tree (Citrus paradisi) bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp.
Grapefruit
The large yellow fruit of the Citrus paradisi, having somewhat acid juicy pulp. It is a popular breakfast food.
Pomelo
A variety of shaddock, called also grape fruit.
Grapefruit
Citrus tree bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp
Pomelo
Southeastern Asian tree producing large fruits resembling grapefruits
Grapefruit
Large yellow fruit with somewhat acid juicy pulp; usual serving consists of a half
Pomelo
Large pear-shaped fruit similar to grapefruit but with coarse dry pulp
What is Grapefruit?
Grapefruit is subtropical citrus, which is known for its sour to semi-sweet fruit. It is a hybrid of Barbados origin that was first formed as an accidental cross between sweet orange (C. sinesis) and pomelo (C. maxima). At first, when it was found it was named ‘forbidden fruit’ and was misidentified with pomelo. According to the belief, Grapefruit was first formed as an accident cross between Jamaican sweet orange and Indonesian pomelo in Barbados, another belief tells that Captain Shaddock brought pomelo seeds to Jamaica and bred the first fruit. Grapefruit grows in the grape-like cluster and that is why they are named Grapefruit. China is the top producer of Grapefruit. Grapefruit performs various functions that boost up our body, some of the most prominent health benefits it gives us are: regulating sugar level in diabetic patients, treats fatigue and malaria and provides relief from insomnia.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Rutaceae
- Genus: Citrus
- Species: × paradise
- Binomial name: Citrus × paradisi
What is Pomelo?
Pomelo is the natural (non-hybrid) citrus fruit which hails from Genus: Citrus and Species: Maxima. Pomelo is a native to South and Southeast Asia and has multi-health benefits. Some of the health benefits it gives are boosting the immune system, aids in weight loss, and preventing anti-aging symptoms like wrinkles and age spots. Pomello, pummelo, pommelo, pamplemousse, jabong (Hawaii, shaddick or shaddock) are the other names for Pomelo. Currently, Malaysia is the top pomelo producer in the world. Other countries known for producing this citrus fruit are Sri Lanka, India, USA, and Israel. Pomelo is also known as one of the ancestors of grapefruit, though their taste is quite like a sweet mild grapefruit. Their peels are often used to make marmalades and flowers are used to make perfumes.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Rutaceae
- Genus: Citrus
- Species: maxima
- Binomial name: Citrus maxima