This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
Summary generated by our research from the article below.
Description/Taste
Rex Union grapefruit are rounded and slightly flattened at each end. They are medium-sized, about 7 to 9 centimeters in diameter, and have light to dark orange skin with a partial to full red blush. The medium thick rind has a slightly rough, pebbled texture and occasional striations. The pulp is light orange with a juicy consistency and few seeds. Rex Union grapefruit offer an overall semi-sweet flavor with sour nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Rex Union grapefruits are available during the winter and early spring months.
Current Facts
Rex Union grapefruit is a hybrid variety botanically classified as Citrus x paradisi. The fruit is a naturally occurring cross between a Seville sour orange and a pomelo. Its unique color gives it the appearance of an orange with the taste of a grapefruit. In its native South Africa, the fruit is referred to as the Rex Union orange. This little known and rare fruit is making a comeback thanks in part to its inclusion in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste.
Nutritional Value
Rex Union grapefruit are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber and thiamine. They contain potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and calcium, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Applications
Rex Union grapefruit are used for their juice, their pulp and the whole fruit is used for making marmalade. Top salads with sections of the fruit or add to smoothies. They pair well with avocado, watercress, feta and goat cheese, fresh herbs such as mint, rosemary and thyme, and seafood such as salmon, lobster, scallops and shrimp. Their juice offers a tart addition to marinades, dressings, sauces and beverages. They can be used in any recipe calling for grapefruit or more acidic oranges. Store Rex Union grapefruit in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
By the beginning of the 21st century, Rex Union grapefruit were considered an endangered variety. In 2014 they were identified by the Slow Food Foundation as a unique variety in need of safeguarding against extinction. By then, less than 100 Rex Union grapefruit trees remained in the orchard where they were initially cultivated. The nearly abandoned Lemoenfontein (Dunedin) Farm, about 2 hours north west of Johannesburg, was the only place the citrus could be found. Since their involvement, Slow Food’s Presidia project has helped establish more trees, increase production, and launch artisanal processing of the Rex Union grapefruits into marmalade. Their mission is to bring public attention back to unique and endangered varieties and to ensure sustainable biodiversity.
Geography/History
Rex Union grapefruits were discovered in South Africa in the early 1900s. They were named after George Wellington Rex, a citrus pioneer in South Africa who was responsible for introducing many different varieties to the region. After near extinction the variety is seeing a resurgence in the area of North West South Africa where it originated. Efforts are being made to cultivate the hybrid variety in citrus regions in other countries. Budwood was sent to the Citrus Variety Collection at the University of California in Riverside in 1985. Today, Rex Union grapefruit can be found growing on the farm where they were first discovered and by one other producer. Production is expected to increase in South Africa by 2020. They are also grown on a limited scale in Southern California and are most likely spotted at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Rex Union grapefruit, once on the brink of extinction, were identified in 2014 by the Slow Food Foundation as a unique variety needing protection. Found only on Lemoenfontein Farm northwest of Johannesburg, fewer than 100 trees remained at the time. Thanks to Slow Food’s Presidia project, efforts have revived this endangered citrus through expanded tree planting, increased production, and artisanal marmalade-making, aiming to preserve biodiversity and draw awareness to rare fruit varieties.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
6192953172
Rex Union Grapefruit from Mud Creek Ranch…..Rex Union Grapefruit have a distinctive appearance, with a light to dark orange skin that sometimes showcases a red blush. They are medium-sized, typically measuring 7 to 9 centimeters in diameter. Their pulp is light orange and juicy, containing few seeds. The flavor profile combines a semi-sweet taste with sour nuances, creating a complex and refreshing experience.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street Suite 150
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Rex Union Grapefruit from Mud Creek Ranch…..Rex Union Grapefruit: This versatile fruit serves multiple culinary purposes. It can be juiced, added to smoothies, or used whole in marmalades. Pair it with avocado, watercress, seafood, or fresh herbs like mint and rosemary. Its juice is perfect for tart marinades, sauces, and dressings. Store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula, CA
(805) 525-0758
Rex Union grapefruit, also known as Rex Union orange in South Africa, is a rare hybrid fruit that combines the traits of a Seville sour orange and a pomelo. Its striking orange-like appearance paired with the flavor of grapefruit has gained it recognition. Efforts such as its inclusion in Slow Food's Ark of Taste are helping to preserve this unique fruit with its rich history and flavor profile.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula, CA
(805) 525-0758
Rex Union Grapefruits were discovered in South Africa in the early 1900s and named after George Wellington Rex, a citrus pioneer. Nearly extinct at one point, this hybrid variety now grows again in North West South Africa, the area of its origin, as well as on a limited scale in Southern California. Efforts to preserve and expand cultivation include budwood sent to the Citrus Variety Collection in Riverside in 1985.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110
(619)295-3172 [email protected]
Rex Union grapefruit: By 2014, less than 100 Rex Union grapefruit trees remained in their original orchard at Lemoenfontein Farm, near Johannesburg. This variety, once endangered, gained recognition from the Slow Food Foundation for safeguarding. Efforts through their Presidia project now boost tree numbers, secure production, and promote artisanal marmalade, aiming to preserve biodiversity and public awareness of this unique citrus.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110
(619)295-3172 [email protected]
Rex Union grapefruit: These medium-sized fruits are about 7 to 9 centimeters in diameter, featuring light to dark orange skin with a partial to full red blush. Their rind is medium thick, slightly rough, and pebbled with occasional striations. The light orange pulp is juicy with few seeds, delivering a semi-sweet taste complemented by sour nuances.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula,CA
(805) 525-0758
Rex Union Grapefruit: These grapefruits are versatile, with their juice adding tartness to marinades, dressings, sauces, and beverages. Their pulp is excellent for marmalade, while segments enhance salads or smoothies. Complementary pairings include avocado, watercress, shrimp, scallops, and salmon. Their distinct acidity makes them interchangeable with grapefruit or tart oranges in recipes.
Steven and Robin Smith
5682 Pinegrove Road, Santa Paula 93060
(805) 525-0758
Rex Union Grapefruit spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Rex Union grapefruit is a hybrid citrus fruit that combines the traits of a Seville sour orange and a pomelo. Its striking orange-like color contrasts with its distinctly grapefruit flavor. Native to South Africa, it is also known as the Rex Union orange. Once endangered, this rare fruit is gaining renewed appreciation as part of Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, which celebrates heritage foods.
Check out our QR code Library to download QR Codes that link to our fruit encyclopedia. Use on your signage and other promotions to share the knowledge!
