Oroblanco

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An oroblanco or sweetie (Citrus grandis Osbeck × C. paradisi Macf.) is a cross between an acidless pummelo and a white grapefruit. It is slightly larger in size than a grapefruit but has fewer seeds and is sweeter. When ripe, its thick rind is bright green or golden in color.

The oroblanco was patented by the University of California after its development at that university's citrus experiment station in Riverside, California.

Oroblancos are round (or sometimes slightly flattened), with a thicker rind than grapefruit. When eaten, an oroblanco lacks bitterness associated with grapefruits and is rather sweet, as though the sugar has already been added. Oroblancos are available from September through December. Their sweetness attracts many buyers in Japan where the fruit is commonly referred to as a "sweetie."

The oroblanco tree comes in quickly and vigorously adapts to its environment. It is estimated that Oroblanco is grown on 1500 ha (hectare) in California , and over 10 ha in Australia. It is also commonly cultivated in Israel (since 1984), where the trademark "Sweetie" originated.

Oroblancos may be peeled and eaten like an orange, by tearing into segments, and are often eaten as a breakfast food. As a newly engineered fruit it remains a relatively expensive product.