“Why is the grapefruit called a grapefruit? I mean, there is already a fruit called a grape. Doesn’t make a lick of sense” was asked on Twitter on April 28, 2009. “Why is it called a grapefruit when there’s already a fruit called a grape?” was asked on Twitter on February 6, 2012.
The answer is that the name “grapefruit” refers to the clusters of fruit on the tree—clusters that resemble grapes on a vine.
Wikipedia: Grapefruit
The grapefruit (Citrus × paradis) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its sour to semi-sweet, somewhat bitter fruit. Grapefruit is a hybrid originating in Barbados as an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange (C. sinensis) and pomelo or shaddock (C. maxima), both of which were introduced from Asia in the seventeenth century. When found, it was named the “forbidden fruit”; and frequently, it has been misidentified with the pomelo.
The grapefruit’s name alludes to clusters of the fruit on the tree, which often appear similar to that of grapes.
Library of Congress—Everyday Mysteries
Question:
How did the grapefruit get its name? It doesn’t look like a grape.
Answer:
It is believed that the name refers to the manner in which grapefruit grows in clusters on a tree.
Twitter
Jason Karsh
@jasonkarsh
Why is the grapefruit called a grapefruit? I mean, there is already a fruit called a grape. Doesn’t make a lick of sense.
1:08 PM - 28 Apr 2009
Twitter
Mr Ordinary ♒
@Robs_Wurld
#random ever wonder y a grapefruit is called a grapefruit when there is already a fruit called a grape
12:51 PM - 17 Apr 2010
Twitter
Bree.
@SweeeetBree
Why is it called a grapefruit when there’s already a fruit called a grape?
1:59 PM - 6 Feb 2012
Reddit—Shower Thoughts
Why is grapefruit called grape fruit when it neither looks like nor tastes like grape?
submitted October 27, 2014 by richyhuck
Reddit—Ask Reddit
Why is grapefruit called grapefruit when there’s already a fruit called grape?
(self.AskReddit)
submitted April 13, 2017 by smnmrk
COMMENTS
wetonred24
Why there watermelon when we already got water?
PirateKilt
The grapefruit was known as the shaddock or shattuck until the 19th century. Its current name alludes to clusters of the fruit on the tree, which often appear similar to grapes.
Reddit—Oneliners
Why is there a thing called a grapefruit, when there’s a fruit called a grape?
submitted October 27, 2017 by jewishing
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“Welcome to growing older. Where all the foods and drinks you’ve loved for years suddenly seem determined to destroy you” (4/17)
•“Date someone who drinks with you instead of complaining that you drink” (4/17)
•“Definition of stupid: Knowing the truth, seeing evidence of the truth, but still believing the lie” (4/17)
•“Definition of stupid: Knowing the truth, seeing the evidence of the truth, but still believing the lie” (4/17)
•“Government creates the crises so it can ‘rescue’ you with the loss of freedom” (4/17)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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