Grapefruit Avocado Shrimp Salad

February is National Grapefruit Month and I thought it would be great to share some fun facts about this great fruit with you.

• Grapefruit got its name because it grows in a cluster, just like grapes.
• Texas Grapefruit is the Texas state fruit and is harvested October through May of each year. It is a winter fruit.
• 1/2 a grapefruit has 100% of the vitamin C you need for the day. Vitamin C supports your immune system and protects you from getting sick.
• Grapefruit delivers a nutrient found only in certain plants, called lycopene.  Lycopene is an antioxidant, which means that it helps protect our bodys cells.
• Grapefruit can be stored in a cool area for up to 2 weeks or in your refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
• The color of grapefruit pulp varies from white, pink, and red - red being the sweetest.

When I was a kid I loved it when my  mom cut a red grapefruit in half and sprinkled a pinch of cinnamon and sugar on top.  It was the only way to eat it.  However, as a kid I never understood why the white or light pink grapefruit was so acidic and bitter in taste and the red pulped fruit was always so juicy and sweet.  Like other types of fruit, different varieties of grapefruit have different flavors. 

My favorite has always been the red variety because of its sweetness.  The most common variety of red grapefruit is referred to as, "Ruby Red."  Although grapefruit is harvested in California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida, grapefruit harvested in Texas along the Rio Grande Valley river is always red and sweet, and commonly known as "Rio Star."  Handpicked and harvested off the vine, Texas grapefruit usually arrives at your local grocery store within a week of being picked.  This also contributes to its sweetness.  This explains why red grapefruit is the ideal variety when used in cooking.

Today I have a simple and healthy salad recipe I believe the whole family will love and appreciate.  This Grapefruit Avocado Shrimp Salad is light and refreshing.  Made with a simple grapefruit vinaigrette, each element of the salad compliments each other without overpowering it with salad dressing.  Fancy enough to serve as part of a fancy dinner and simple enough to put together in minutes, I hope you enjoy eating this seasonal fruit in the peak of its season.