A New Way to Segment Grapefruit

Inspired by conversations on the Food52 Hotline, we're sharing tips and tricks that make navigating all of our kitchens easier and more fun.

Today: A new way to unearth perfect segments from your favorite citrus fruit.

When the sun doesn't come out in wintertime, grapefruit is a consistent beacon of light. For unbeknownst reasons, people have strong feelings about grapefruit; some demand a healthy dousing of sugar in order to stomach, while others can eat it straight-up, unadultered. Those who require sweetener embark on archaeolgical-esque digs to unearth its segments, as the veiny skin only compounds its tartness.

No arsenal of grapefruit utensils on hand? No problem. We have a secret to let you in on: You can remove grapefruit segments in their entirety, while creating minimal waste.

Segmented grapefruit may require a little more work up front, but the end eating experience is far superior (read: no risk of getting squirted in the eye).

First, withstand the urge a cut a grapefruit horizontally like you have for most of your life. 

Peel as you would an orange and separate in half. 

More: Use segments to make grapefruit with vanilla and honey.

Have a plate or bowl at the ready. Cut away the top layer of skin, then slip your knife along the seam and pop the segment out.

Continue in this manner, until you've completed all the segments. Once you get it down with a knife, just use your hands, preferably in front of the TV with a dish towel on your lap.

What are your favorite ways to eat grapefruit? Tell us in the comments!