Marsh Seedless Grapefruit

Origin

Marsh Seedless grapefruit is one of the most iconic and widely grown grapefruit varieties in the world, a true international commercial benchmark. Native to Florida, this variety was selected around 1860 by a horticulturist named Marsh who was looking for fruit with practically no seeds. The grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a natural Caribbean hybrid, the result of a spontaneous cross between the Asian pummelo (Citrus maxima) and the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), which appeared in Barbados in the 18th century. Marsh Seedless has become the world reference for white-fleshed grapefruit and today forms the basis of many commercial plantations around the Mediterranean (Spain, Israel, Morocco). Its hardiness of 16°F (−9°C) allows it to be grown in zone 8b gardens.

Tree description

Large, vigorous, very productive tree, reaching 13 to 20 ft (4 to 6 m) in the ground in a favorable climate. Dense, dark green, glossy evergreen foliage, with the large winged leaves characteristic of the grapefruit. Abundant, very fragrant white spring bloom. Vigorous growth with gradual fruit set.

Fruit quality

Round fruit, 3.9 to 4.3 in (10 to 11 cm) in diameter and 17.6 oz (500 g) on average, with smooth skin that turns yellow at full maturity. Creamy white flesh, very tender, juicy and very fragrant, with a pleasant slight acidity and practically seedless (0 to 4 seeds depending on the year). The harvest runs from November to March, with optimal quality late in the season when the sweetness is at its peak.

Flavor and ornamental interest

Marsh Seedless is a benchmark grapefruit for the table and for juice, valued for its lack of seeds and its sweet, translucent flesh late in the season. Its long harvest period (5 months) makes it especially interesting for the family garden. Excellent in fruit salad, as fresh juice, or in grapefruit jam. The tree is very ornamental, with its spectacular large yellow fruit in winter.