A Family Affair
The pomelo is the largest in the citrus family, typically measuring a whopping 6-10 inches (15-25cm) in diameter.When this giant was crossed with the mandarin, we were given the gift of the orange, and then an accidental hybrid of the orange and pomelo produced the grapefruit, both fruit bowl favourites in kitchens today.
The ultimate lunch-box favourite, mandarins originated from China, and like the Mandarin language, they are now found all over the world. When growers crossed this popular snack with grapefruits, they created the Seville orange and marmalade aficionados around the world rejoiced.
The citron was well known as a cure for scurvy and would have been an essential part of the ocean voyages of early explorers and colonists. These medicinal properties were fortunately passed down into the lemon when the citron was grafted with the orange.
Although it’s rare to see a papeda these days, its tart, bitter notes are present in many of the citrus hybrids, and it’s thanks to a cross between the papeda and the citron that we have Key limes, and their world-famous pies.
From Kumquats and Kaffir limes to tangelos and tangerines, the myriad of citrus fruits that we relish today are results of hundreds of hybrid attempts, some scientific and precise and others merely happy accidents. Whether you grow them in your backyard or have to import them from the other side of the world, we should raise a note of thanks to those enterprising growers who have brought us these versatile, vitamin-packed citrus blends.
