Pomelo

Citrus maxima 'Chandler'

fruit

Pomelo (Citrus maxima Chandler) is the largest of all citrus fruits, with very thick rind and pith surrounding mild, sweet, only lightly tart flesh that lacks the bitterness of grapefruit, its hybrid descendant. Chandler is a UC-bred variety with pink flesh and good flavor. The tree is large and spreading, reaching up to 30 ft, evergreen, and well suited to warm, humid subtropical climates. The fruit is usually peeled and eaten segment by segment, the firm juice vesicles separating cleanly.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Comfrey — A nutrient accumulator for a mineral-rich mulch under the wide canopy
• Marigold — Suppresses nematodes and attracts beneficial insects
• Nasturtium — A trap crop that draws aphids off the citrus

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Citrus leafminer →

  Mines new leaves; protect tender flushes and avoid pushing excess soft growth

• Aphids →

  On new shoots; rinse off, conserve ladybugs, and manage ants

• Citrus scale →

  On stems and leaves; use horticultural oil and conserve natural enemies

🌾 Harvest & storage

Pomelos ripen in winter; leave them on the tree until the rind takes on a pale yellow-green to yellow color and the fruit tastes sweet, since citrus will not sweeten after picking. The big fruit holds well on the tree. Harvest by clipping the thick stem. Peel away the heavy rind and pith and separate the firm segments to eat.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Pomelo is high in vitamin C and low in calories, with a mild, sweet, refreshing flavor. It is eaten fresh, segment by segment, and used in salads; the thick rind can be candied.