Ruby Red Grapefruit

Ruby Red is a popular red-fleshed grapefruit variety grown in Morocco, known for its attractive
pink-red pulp, pleasant sweetness, and excellent juiciness. It is less intensely colored than Star
Ruby but offers a very balanced flavor, making it highly appreciated in both fresh markets and
juice processing. Ruby Red is productive, reliable, and well adapted to warm citrus-growing
regions.
Type and Characteristics :
• Scientific name: Citrus × paradisi
• Fruit shape: Round to slightly oblate
• Size : Medium to large
• Peel color: Smooth yellow rind with possible red blush
• Flesh: Pink to light red, juicy, sweet-tart, aromatic
• Seeds: Few or seedless depending on pollination
• Juice content : High
• Harvest period: December – March
• Use: Fresh consumption, juice, food industry
Region of Cultivation :
• Souss-Massa (Agadir, Taroudant main zone for grapefruit)
• Gharb (Kenitra, Sidi Slimane)
• Haouz (Marrakech)
• Oriental – Berkane (smaller but growing production)
Suitable for warm, irrigated plains with good sunlight
Soil Requirements :
• Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained sandy-loam soils
• Avoids saline or poorly drained soils
• Optimal pH : 6.0 – 7.5
Climate and Growing Conditions :
• Climate: Mediterranean to semi-arid
• Temperature: Optimal 20–32°C; sensitive to frost
• Rainfall : 400–700 mm/year with irrigation
• Sunlight: High sunlight required for coloration and sugar developme