Grapefruit vs. Lemon — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 6, 2023
Grapefruit is a large, tart citrus fruit, often pink or yellow, while lemon is a smaller, bright yellow citrus fruit known for its sour taste.
Difference Between Grapefruit and Lemon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Grapefruit, a citrus fruit, is known for its size and slightly bitter taste. It ranges in color from yellow to pink and red. In contrast, the lemon is a small, oval-shaped fruit, famous for its bright yellow color and sour flavor. While grapefruits are typically eaten fresh or juiced, lemons are often used as a flavoring agent due to their high acidity.
Grapefruits contain a variety of nutrients, including vitamin C, but are also known for their interaction with certain medications. Lemons, also rich in vitamin C, are widely recognized for their culinary versatility, used in everything from beverages to savory dishes, and even in cleaning products due to their natural acidity and fresh scent.
The grapefruit tree is large and can grow up to 20 feet tall, while lemon trees are comparatively smaller and more compact. The fruit of a grapefruit tree can weigh up to a pound, whereas lemons are much lighter, usually not exceeding a few ounces.
Grapefruit can be less cold tolerant than lemon trees, preferring subtropical environments to thrive. Lemons are more adaptable and can be grown in a wider range of climates, even tolerating slightly cooler temperatures.
In the market, grapefruits and lemons are both sold fresh, but lemons are more commonly available year-round and globally. Grapefruits may have a more seasonal appearance and are often a staple in winter months in the United States.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Large, can weigh up to a pound.
Smaller, lighter, ounces in weight.
Taste
Tart and slightly bitter.
Characteristically sour.
Color
Yellow, pink, or red.
Bright yellow.
Usage
Eaten fresh or juiced.
Used as flavoring, in cooking, and cleaning.
Cold Tolerance
Prefers subtropical climates.
More cold-tolerant.
Interaction with Medications
Known to interact with certain drugs.
No common drug interactions.
Compare with Definitions
Grapefruit
A large, slightly bitter citrus variety.
The grapefruit was ripe and juicy, perfect for making a batch of fresh juice.
Lemon
A tree-bearing fruit that is high in vitamin C.
They planted a lemon tree in the corner of their garden.
Grapefruit
Known for its drug interaction potential.
She checked with her doctor before eating grapefruit while on medication.
Lemon
A fruit commonly used for its juice and zest in cooking.
The recipe called for the zest of one lemon to enhance the cake's flavor.
Grapefruit
A pomelo hybrid often part of a healthy diet.
After her workout, she enjoyed a refreshing grapefruit salad.
Lemon
A small, sour yellow citrus fruit.
She squeezed a lemon into her tea for extra flavor.
Grapefruit
A subtropical citrus fruit with a yellow or pink rind.
He added a slice of grapefruit to his breakfast for a tangy start to the day.
Lemon
A citrus used frequently in household cleaning for its scent.
He used a lemon-based solution to clean the kitchen countertops.
Grapefruit
The fruit of the Citrus × paradisi tree.
Their backyard grapefruit tree was laden with fruit each winter.
Lemon
An essential ingredient in many desserts and beverages.
She garnished the cocktail with a twist of lemon.
Grapefruit
The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its relatively large, sour to semisweet, somewhat bitter fruit. The interior flesh is segmented and varies in color from pale yellow to dark pink.
Lemon
The lemon (Citrus limon) is a species of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to South Asia, primarily Northeast India (Assam). The tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses.
Grapefruit
A tropical or semitropical evergreen tree (Citrus paradisi) cultivated for its edible fruit.
Lemon
A spiny evergreen tree (Citrus limon) native to Asia, widely cultivated for its oval yellow fruit.
Grapefruit
The large, round fruit of this tree, having a yellow rind and juicy, somewhat acid pulp.
Lemon
The fruit of this tree, having an aromatic rind and juicy, acid pulp.
Grapefruit
The tree of the species Citrus paradisi, a hybrid of pomelo (Citrus maxima) and sweet orange.
Lemon
Lemon yellow.
Grapefruit
The large spherical tart fruit produced by this tree.
Lemon
(Informal) One that is unsatisfactory or defective
Their new car turned out to be a lemon.
Grapefruit
A citrus tree (Citrus paradisi) bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp.
Lemon
Lemon-yellow.
Grapefruit
The large yellow fruit of the Citrus paradisi, having somewhat acid juicy pulp. It is a popular breakfast food.
Lemon
Made from lemons.
Grapefruit
Citrus tree bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp
Lemon
Tasting or smelling like lemons.
Grapefruit
Large yellow fruit with somewhat acid juicy pulp; usual serving consists of a half
Lemon
A yellowish citrus fruit.
Lemon
A semitropical evergreen tree, Citrus limon, that bears such fruits.
Lemon
A taste or flavour/flavor of lemons.
Lemon
A more or less bright shade of yellow associated with lemon fruits.
Lemon
(slang) A defective or inadequate item or individual.
He didn’t realise until he’d paid for it that the car was a lemon.
Lemon
Favor.
A thousand quid for that motor? Do me a lemon! I could get it for half that.
Lemon
(fandom) A piece of fanfiction involving explicit sex.
Lemon
Containing or having the flavour/flavor and/or scent of lemons.
Lemon
Of the pale yellow colour/color of lemons.
Lemon
Smart; cheeky, vocal.
Lemon
(transitive) To flavour with lemon.
You can start the vegetables cooking while you are lemoning the fish.
Lemon
An oval or roundish fruit resembling the orange, and containing a pulp usually intensely acid. It is produced by a tropical tree of the genus Citrus, the common fruit known in commerce being that of the species Citrus Limonum or Citrus Medica (var. Limonum). There are many varieties of the fruit, some of which are sweet.
Lemon
The tree which bears lemons; the lemon tree.
Lemon
Yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh
Lemon
A strong yellow color
Lemon
A small evergreen tree that originated in Asia but is widely cultivated for its fruit
Lemon
A distinctive tart flavor characteristic of lemons
Lemon
An artifact (especially an automobile) that is defective or unsatisfactory
Common Curiosities
Are grapefruits named for grapes?
No, grapefruits are so named because they grow in clusters like grapes.
Which has more Vitamin C, grapefruit or lemon?
Both are high in vitamin C, but oranges typically have more than both lemons and grapefruits.
What is the origin of the grapefruit?
Grapefruit is believed to be a hybrid of the pomelo and sweet orange, originating in the Caribbean.
Are there different types of grapefruits?
Yes, there are several varieties, including pink, red, and white grapefruits.
Can eating grapefruit affect medications?
Yes, grapefruit can interact with certain medications by affecting how they are metabolized.
Are grapefruits good for weight loss?
Grapefruits are low in calories and can be part of a weight loss diet, but no food guarantees weight loss.
Is it safe to eat lemon peels?
Lemon peels are edible and often used as zest, but it's recommended to use organic, unwaxed lemons.
What are the health benefits of lemon water?
Lemon water can aid in digestion, provide vitamin C, and help in hydration.
Can lemon juice be used to lighten hair?
Yes, the citric acid in lemon juice can lighten hair when exposed to sunlight.
Can I substitute lemon for grapefruit in recipes?
Yes, but expect a more sour taste and adjust quantities due to size differences.
Can I freeze lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use.
What's the best way to juice a grapefruit?
Cut in half and use a citrus juicer, or hand-squeeze to extract the juice.
Why does grapefruit taste bitter?
The bitterness is due to the compound naringin, which is found in the grapefruit's peel and pith.
Is lemon good for the skin?
Lemon has antibacterial properties and vitamin C, which can be beneficial for the skin but should be used with caution as it can also be irritating.
How do you store grapefruits to extend their shelf life?
Keep them at room temperature away from direct sunlight or refrigerate to extend their life.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
