First, check the color of the fruit. If youre picking a grapefruit in Arizona, make sure to check its color before you pick it. When to pick a grapefruit in Arizona is between December and March. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. 11320 W. Indian School Rd. In Arizona, you can pick grapefruit when its half-yellow or half-pink. In the backyard citrus orchard, you can pull off ripe grapefruits by hand. Shop Online or Call 480-274-7915. Remember, the longer the fruit stays on the tree, the sweeter it becomes, so be patient. A perfectly round grapefruit, a triangle-shaped one, or one that looks lumpy is not your best choice of a grapefruit. In this article, we will walk you through how to tell when to pick a ripe grapefruit. Note that grapefruits left to ripen on the tree turn out significantly sweeter, so you can wait until the peel has fully changed before picking them off. Grass can also compete with the citrus trees for water and nutrients, so make sure that the soil is well-drained and free of weeds. Feeling the grapefruit might be the easiest way to tell when it's ripe. To tell if your grapefruits are ripe, you need to look at several things: Color Size Shape Firmness A ripe fruit will be an even color all over with no signs of green remaining. 22 / 32. Well let you in on a secret: you dont have to be a fruit expert to determine ripeness. Why Does Citrus Fruit Split Open Before It's Ripe? Instead of focusing just on grapefruits, aim for the recommended 2 to 2.5 cups of fruits. The deeper the color, the more intense the flavor. Is it Ready? How to Tell When Grapefruits are Ripe and Ready to Eat Most grapefruits range from 4 to 6 inches in diameter, though some can be either smaller or larger than this size. It is possible to leave them on the trees throughout the whole year if you want to enjoy their taste. When the fruit ripens and the flesh becomes heavier, it puts pressure on the skin and gives the grapefruit an uneven round or oval shape.