Fruits availability in the United States, pounds per capita by type, 1970-2012
A Christmas gift of grapefruits harks to the days of the Great Depression, says Slate correspondent Katy Waldman. It's a tradition, she says, that should be abolished. In Waldman's words, grapefruits are impossible to eat, disgusting, and even murderous. (Yes murderous, because they apparently inhibit an enzyme in our guts that metabolizes certain substances.)
The decline of availability of grapefruit since 1970 might be explained by Waldman's treatise against grapefruit. If enough people agree with her and demand drops, as it appears to be doing, so too will supply.
If you're one of those who love grapefruit, perhaps it's time to stand up for the poor vilified fruit.
Source: Calculated by ERS/USDA based on data from various sources. Data last updated Feb. 1, 2014.
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