Learning how to cut a grapefruit is easy. We'll learn how to cut them into Supremes, which results in beautiful slices that elevates their presentation for salads, desserts or to eat on their own. And it can be used with all citrus fruits.
You could peel and eat a grapefruit -- but, for beautiful slices that are free of any white pith and skin, the best method is cut citrus supremes.
What is a Citrus Supreme?
Since I learned how to cut a grapefruit into Supremes, I haven't cut them any other way.
Supremes are slices of citrus that have been removed from their skin, pith (the white portion that's just inside the skin), and membranes. These parts of the fruit are simply not enjoyable when it's mixed into a salad, on sweet tart, in ice cream, and so on.
A citrus Supreme has a perfect mouth feel. When the citrus flesh is free of its skin, pith and membranes, it's a softer and juicier. And it makes for a gorgeous presentation!
Once you learn how to cut a grapefruit with this method, you can use it for oranges, lemons and limes also.
How to Cut a Grapefruit (Supreme Citrus)
- Slice ¼ to ½-inch off of each end of the fruit.
The amount you slice off will depend on the particular citrus fruit and the thickness of its skin and pith. 
- Stand the fruit on one of its flat surfaces. Then carefully cut between the pith and flesh, moving the knife downwards and following the curve of the fruit. 
Continue this all the way around the fruit. If there’s any remaining pith, you can go back and remove it. 
At this point, you can cut horizontally and make round slices. Lay it gently on its side, and slice it to the thickness you desire.
- To remove individual segments to make citrus Supremes, cut into each one, just inside its membranes. 
After making the Supremes, a good amount fruit might still attached to the membranes, which will still all be connected. Do not throw this away!
You can probably squeeze at least 2 tablespoons of juice from it. (Depending on the size of the fruit, it could be more or less.) It can be used for salad dressings, juices, smoothies, etc.
(More detailed instructions are below.)
Delicious Citrus Recipes:
- Citrus Carpaccio with Yuzu Dressing
- Citrus Carrot Salad Recipe
- Smoky Lemon Chipotle Guacamole
- Kale Blood Orange Salad
Grapefruit Supremes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large grapefruit
Instructions
- Use a sharp paring knife to slice ¼ to ½-inch off of each end of the fruit. The amount you slice off will depend on the particular citrus fruit and the thickness of its skin and pith.
- Stand the fruit on one of its newly cut flat surfaces. Then use the paring knife to carefully cut just between the pith and flesh, moving the knife downwards and following the curve of the fruit. Continue this all the way around the fruit, and when you’re done, if there’s any remaining pith, go back and remove it.
- At this point, if you’d like nice, round slices of the fruit, simply lay it gently on its side, and slice it horizontally, to the thickness you desire.
- To remove individual segments (Supremes), cut into each one, just inside its membranes. (When you’re done removing the segments, you’ll be left with some of the flesh still attached to the membranes, which will still all be connected. Do not throw this away! You can probably squeeze at least 2 tablespoons of juice from it. Depending on the size of the fruit, it could be more or less.)
NOTES
NUTRITION
Chris
What a great tutorial and so cool that I know the author 😉 Clear, easy to understand. My kinda learning.
valentina
Thank you, Chris! 🙂