Red Grapefruit Julep

Red Grapefruit Julep

Serves 4
Prep Time10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh mint leaves
3 cups ice
3 cups freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice
2 cups ginger ale

Method
1.Put the mint into a large bowl or sturdy jug, using the end of a rolling pin, muddle or squash the mint.
2.Pour the red grapefruit juice over the mint and stir to combine.
3.To serve the julep, fill four glasses with ice and fill with juice mixture to two thirds capacity and top with ginger ale.
4.Serve with straws, stir just before drinking.

Alternative
For a refreshing cocktail add a nip of vodka to each glass.

Health Benefits
The antioxidant effects of red grapefruit juice are the second most powerful of all of the fruit juices.


The sweetest tasting fruit of the grapefruit family, red grapefruits are an incredibly rich source of antioxidants. With a characteristically bright red flesh, red grapefruits are often confused with ruby red - they are in fact different.

Proven to be successful in lowering bad cholesterol, the red grapefruit is more effective than white grapefruit varieties. In addition, the fibre found in red grapefruit and high levels of Vitamin C can reduce risk of free radical damage implicated in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Closely rivalling the orange, it is rare to get so much Vitamin C in just one piece of fruit, with just half of a red grapefruit containing an amazing 70% of the recommended daily intake. "A unique fruit with greater benefits than those just from antioxidants, the red grapefruit helps to maintain a healthy weight and is an excellent fruit for those treating the early stages of high cholesterol with diet related changes," says Joanna McMillan Price, Certified Nutritionist and Dietitian.

The powerful red grapefruit offers an array of health and nutritional benefits. A potent fruit indeed, red grapefruit juice has the second highest antioxidant activity of all of the fruit juices. Freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice offers a strong antioxidant boost to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related disease.

Compared to white grapefruit, red grapefruit is unique with a nutrient, lycopene, that converts to Vitamin A in the body. "Crucial for healthy eyes, bones, hair, teeth and skin as well as general immunity, absorption of lycopene can be maximised by incorporating red grapefruit into a salad with an oil-based dressing," added McMillan Price.

Great on their own, juiced or combined in salads, it has never been so easy to reap the health benefits of red grapefruits and incorporate them into your daily diet.

Harvested at peak and when sweetest, red grapefruits are in season from March until November and are available nationwide at supermarkets and green grocers.

Tips:
Selection

Look for red grapefruits that are bright, smooth and have reasonably unblemished skin

For a greater amount of juice choose red grapefruits that are heavy for their size and have a thin skin

Harvested in peak season, once picked red grapefruits are fully ripe and ready to eat

Storage

Keep red grapefruit at room temperature, in a cool dark place, removed from plastic bags, they will last for approximately one week

To prolong life, store in the crisper compartment of the fridge