You now have two beautiful, glistening hemispheres. But wait—there’s that bitter white pith around the edges. Do you really want to eat that? No. So grab a grapefruit spoon (the one with the serrated tip) or a paring knife.
Gently run the spoon along the inner curve of the peel, loosening each segment. Pop them out like little citrus jewels. Or, if you’re lazy (I am), just sprinkle sugar or salt right on top and dig in with a regular spoon.
How to Cut a Grapefruit (5 Different Ways!) - Buttered Side Up
Side note: au natural is fine too, but a tiny pinch of salt actually reduces bitterness and makes the sweetness pop. Science, baby.
A Word on Mess
Grapefruit juice is a vicious little liquid. It squirts everywhere—on your shirt, your laptop, your cat who was just minding his business. Work over a deep bowl to catch the runoff, or accept your fate as a sticky human.
I once ruined a white linen shirt because I thought I was invincible. I was not. Learn from my mistakes, friend.