Choose grapefruit with bright smooth thin unblemished skin. The grapefruit should be very heavy for its size, as it will be the juiciest, and should be springy to the touch, not soft, or wilted. Defects on the surface of the fruit such as scars, scratches and discoloration do not have any effect on the sweet juicy taste of the fruit.

Because grapefruit is ripe when picked, it will not ripen further once picked off the tree. Grapefruit will last for several days if stored at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated in a plastic bag or in the high humidity crisper section of the refrigerator where it can last for several weeks.