Buzz
Pomelo is a delightful fruit, whether enjoyed on its own, tossed into a salad, or juiced for a refreshing beverage. There are several methods to prepare a pomelo, such as slicing, segmenting, or dicing. If you're eager to learn how to cut a pomelo, follow these step-by-step instructions.
Steps
Segmenting the Pomelo
Trim both ends of the pomelo. Place the pomelo horizontally on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off about 0.5 cm from each end. This step will make it easier to separate the pomelo segments.
Place the pomelo upright with one cut side facing upward. The other cut side can rest on the removed peel from the previous step.
Make several vertical cuts on the pomelo's skin from top to bottom, about 0.5 cm deep. Using a knife to score and divide the surface into sections will make peeling easier.
Use a knife to peel the pomelo. Once you've scored the skin, peeling becomes simpler. Position the knife blade on a scored section and peel the skin from top to bottom. If any skin remains, remove it before proceeding to the next step.
Use a knife to separate the pomelo segments. After peeling, you can use the knife to divide the pomelo into individual segments as shown in the tutorial video. You can enjoy them immediately, add them to a fruit salad, or incorporate them into other salad recipes.
Slicing the Pomelo Segments
Place the pomelo on its side. The two ends of the pomelo should face opposite directions. Position the pomelo on a cutting board.
Cut the pomelo in half. Use a sharp knife to slice the pomelo vertically into two equal halves.
Slide the knife between the flesh and the peel. Use a sharp knife or a specialized citrus knife to carefully separate the peel from the flesh by cutting in a circular motion around the fruit. Ensure the knife reaches deep enough to fully detach the flesh from the peel.
Slice the pomelo into segments. Cut each segment into wedge-like pieces. Use a thin-bladed knife to slice along the natural lines of the pomelo segments. Once sliced, you can scoop the flesh into a bowl with a spoon or enjoy it immediately.
- Sprinkle sugar on the pomelo for added sweetness.
Slicing the Pomelo
Place the pomelo on its side. The two ends of the pomelo should face opposite directions. Position the pomelo on a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife to cut the pomelo horizontally. Imagine the pomelo as a globe with its “poles” facing sideways. Slice the pomelo along its “equator.” Then, continue cutting parallel slices about 6 cm thick.
- Once done, you’ll have a variety of round pomelo slices in different sizes.
Cut into smaller pieces (optional). If you prefer smaller portions, you can quarter the slices like a pizza. This method works well for beverages. Alternatively, halve the slices to garnish fruit salads or juice glasses. You can also enjoy them directly without utensils.
Tips
- Serving pomelo to guests? One pomelo typically serves two. Garnish the dish with red-dyed cherries for a festive touch.
- Typically, the ends of the pomelo are the tartest, while the middle is the sweetest.
- Pomelo peel is excellent for repelling moths. Don’t discard it. Combine it with a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of Fruit Fresh powder. Spread on a baking tray and dry at 77°C for about 4 hours. If still soft, let them air-dry for 48 hours. Add star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Place in a ziplock bag with holes for the aroma to disperse.
- Taste a small piece to check for tartness. If needed, add a pinch of sugar or salt.
- For a unique flavor, add three to four drops of vanilla extract.
- Don’t waste the juice and flesh stuck to the peel. Use a tall bowl and press with your fingers to extract the juice. Squeeze juice from the core after segmenting. Drink it straight or mix it with the sliced pomelo.
- The “top” of the pomelo has a small brown stem, while the bottom has a slight indentation. After removing these, you’ll notice a soft white spot at the bottom, perfect for holding the pomelo securely.
Warnings
- Pomelo can affect the lining of the digestive tract. It may increase the absorption of nutrients and certain medications by inhibiting specific enzymes. (This is thought to be due to the high vitamin C content in pomelo, though this has not been proven).
- Some individuals should avoid pomelo for medical reasons. While pomelo is harmless for most people, it can interact negatively with certain medications. If unsure, consult your doctor.
