Today, I’m going to show you how to peel and cut citrus fruit into segments. This works for grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes. The only difference is the size of the knife that you will use to cut the segments. For grapefruits and oranges, use a larger knife, and for lemons and limes, use a paring knife.
I remember when I first learned to segment a grapefruit years ago – I was so proud of myself. It really isn’t hard, but it definitely helps to have someone show you how.
I dug up some old photos so I could show you how to segment a grapefruit, orange or any other citrus fruit. The key to is to have a really sharp knife. My favorite knife to use for segmenting citrus fruit is a ceramic knife. I’ve had mine for years and it has never needed to be sharpened.
The first step is to slice the top and bottom off of the fruit. Then, cut the peel off, trying to follow the natural curves of the fruit. You want to remove as much of the white pith as possible. Don’t worry if you don’t get all the white pith off – you can trim this off later.
Next, cut along the membranes that separate each segment, cutting at a slight angle inwards along the membranes.
Once you’ve cut along both sides of each segment, use the knife to loosen and remove each segment.
You will end up with all these beautiful citrus segments!
That’s it! It takes a little practice, but seriously, anyone can do it.
Yup, they are definitely perfect! Now I have to go find a grapefruit.
Great tutorial!
I have always shied away from recipes that involved segmenting but no more! Thanks for this tutorial!
Great instructions and lovely photos, Jeanette. Thanks!
Great how to, and awesome photos! I always thought just Peeling it and ripping apart with my fingers was the best way. I have been educated!
Oh my gosh. This is like the most amazing thing ever. Who knew this was even possible. This tutorial has changed my life. I’m throwing away my grapefruit spoon and going to buy a ceramic knife right now.
Horace, so glad you found this tutorial helpful. I remember how excited I was when I first started cutting grapefruit segments.