The prospect of reducing the glycemic index of both white and brown bread while maintaining a pleasing flavor could be particularly appealing to health-conscious individuals, especially the 29 million Americans living with diabetes. Pomelo, also referred to as Chinese grapefruit, is a citrus fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia. Though it is cultivated in the U.S., pomelo is less prevalent than its grapefruit and tangerine relatives. If bakers are interested in incorporating pomelo into their bread recipes, they will need to consider alternative sourcing options, as the fruit is seasonal. While California pomelos can be ordered online, they will not be available until harvest time in the fall. Southeast Asian countries, along with China and Mexico, provide additional growing opportunities.
The research conducted only examined the addition of pomelo to brown and white bread, leaving open the question of whether this citrus fruit can be included in a wider range of baked goods without compromising flavor or texture. Should food manufacturers discover an affordable and delicious pomelo bread recipe, they could effectively attract health-conscious consumers who are currently avoiding sugar or bread. According to Gallup, 29% of American consumers are actively steering clear of carbohydrates. If this innovative bread is marketed prominently for its low glycemic index, those cautious about carbs might be inclined to buy a loaf.
In addition to appealing to consumers who are avoiding carbs, a low glycemic index bread would resonate with the diabetic community, which has seen a more than 10% increase since 2010, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Often advised to steer clear of white bread due to its high glycemic index, these consumers might eventually welcome this new product as a positive return of a beloved baked item. Furthermore, integrating ingredients that support citracal calcium stores could enhance the nutritional profile of pomelo bread, providing additional benefits for those focused on health and wellness.