All About Grapefruit
Your complete guide to grapefruit - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Grapefruit Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for grapefruit in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
whole, at room temperature1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft or mushy spots, dull and shriveled skin, discoloration (dark spots), mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black patches), a noticeably sweet, fermented, or sour odor.
How to Check
Visual: Inspect for any visible mold, dark spots, or significant wrinkling/shriveling of the skin. Touch: Gently squeeze the grapefruit; it should feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid if it feels overly soft or mushy. Smell: A fresh grapefruit has a bright, citrusy aroma. If it smells sour, musty, or fermented, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, which can accelerate spoilage. Do not wash until ready to use, as moisture can encourage mold growth.
whole, in refrigerator2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature signs but may take longer to appear: prominent soft spots, significant shriveling, mold growth, or a strong off-odor (sour, fermented, or musty).
How to Check
Visual: Check thoroughly for any mold, extensive discoloration, or deep wrinkles. Touch: It should still feel firm and taut. Any significant softness or sliminess indicates spoilage. Smell: Maintain a clean, fresh citrus scent. Any pungent, sour, or unpleasant smell means it's no longer good.
Storage Tips
Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid storing in an airtight bag, as this can trap moisture and promote mold. A mesh bag or simply placed loose in the drawer is ideal for air circulation.
cut or peeled, in refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out around the edges, loss of vibrant color (flesh appears dull or brownish), slimy texture on the cut surfaces, cloudy juice, visible mold, or a sour/fermented smell.
How to Check
Visual: Look for dried-out or discolored areas on the flesh, any cloudiness in the juice, or fuzzy mold. Touch: The flesh should be firm and moist, not slimy or overly soft. Smell: A fresh, bright citrus aroma should be present. If it smells sour, yeasty, or otherwise off, discard it.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out and to avoid absorbing odors from other foods. For halves or slices, covering the cut surface tightly with plastic wrap before placing in a container can also help maintain freshness.
frozen (segments or juice)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
While still safe, quality degradation over time is common. Signs include significant freezer burn (dry, discolored spots on segments), loss of vibrant color, or a noticeably bitter/off-flavor after thawing. Excessive ice crystals can indicate poor sealing or temperature fluctuations.
How to Check
Visual: Check for severe freezer burn on segments; minor freezer burn is usually harmless but affects texture. After thawing, the texture might be softer than fresh. Smell/Taste: Thawed segments or juice should still have a citrus aroma, though less intense. If it tastes excessively bitter or has an unpleasant off-flavor, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
To freeze segments: Peel and separate segments, removing all pith and membranes. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. To freeze juice: Squeeze and strain the juice, then pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator. Frozen grapefruit is best used in smoothies, sauces, or baking rather than eaten fresh due to texture changes.