Nutrition
Both
oranges and grapefruit are similarly matched in terms of being low
calorie with zero fat, cholesterol or sodium. Eating a whole medium
orange will provide 80 calories versus 60 calories when eating a half of
a grapefruit. Oranges have overall higher carbohydrates, breaking down
into more grams of sugar and fiber than grapefruit. Oranges provide more
vitamin C, offering 130 percent of the daily needs as well as being
higher in selenium and one of the B vitamins, thiamin. Oranges also have
slightly more folate than grapefruits. On the other hand, grapefruits
have significantly more vitamin A at 35 percent versus 2 percent and
slightly more phosphorus, while still providing 100 percent of the daily
dose of vitamin C.
Orange Uses
Oranges
are commonly eaten whole or juiced. The rind can be zested to add
flavor to recipes, and the more sour varieties can be made into
marmalades to help sweeten them. The blossoms from the orange tree are
commonly used in teas and as decorative touches in some Asian countries.
The peel can be used as a slug repellent for gardeners, and a special
type of honey can be made by having bees in citrus groves during bloom.
This honey is called orange blossom honey and picks up the flavor of
oranges.
Grapefruit Uses
The juice is
also popular as a breakfast beverage.When not eaten fresh,grapefruit
is a popular fruit in canned fruit cup and fruit salad mixes.In a few countries such as Australia, grapefruit is enjoyed as a marmalade or
jelly. The peel of the fruit can be candied and used as a source of
pectin for preservation of other fruits. The peel oil is used to flavor
many different sodas as well as enhance the flavor of other juices.
