Pambalimasu (Citrus maxima): names, uses, safety

Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit and one of the original citrus species; grapefruit and sweet orange both descend from it. Indian markets often sell it as chakotra, Kerala calls it bambilimas, and Tamil pambalimasu. The fruit has a thick, soft rind and big, juicy segments that may be pale yellow or pink. Like grapefruit, it can raise blood levels of some medicines.

Botanical name: Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.
Family: Rutaceae
Tamil: Pambalimasu
Hindi: Chakotra
Parts used: Fruit segments, Rind in some kitchens
Habit: Pomelo, the largest citrus fruit
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Pambalimasu

It is a small to medium tree with large, glossy leaves on broadly winged stalks.

Young shoots and leaf undersides are often softly hairy.

The flowers are large, white and very fragrant.

The fruit is round to pear-shaped, often fifteen to twenty-five centimetres across, with green to yellow skin and a very thick, spongy white rind.

The segments have tough membranes and large, firm juice sacs.

Traditional use of Pambalimasu

Kitchen

Segments are peeled and eaten with salt and chilli, or tossed into salads like Thai som-o.

Indian and South-east Asian food practice

Kitchen

In China and Taiwan pomelo is a traditional fruit of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chinese food practice

Kitchen

The thick rind can be candied or cooked in some Chinese dishes.

Chinese food practice

Modern notes on Pambalimasu

Pomelo contains furanocoumarins that can block a gut enzyme and raise levels of some statins and other drugs.

The fruit supplies vitamin C and potassium.

Pink-fleshed varieties contain lycopene.

Pambalimasu safety

If you take regular medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist before eating pomelo often. Otherwise it is a safe fruit.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to South-east Asia.

Bees visit the fragrant flowers.

Seedling trees can take many years to fruit, so orchards graft them.

Related plants

Also in Rutaceae

Questions about Pambalimasu

Is pomelo the same as grapefruit?

No. Grapefruit is a pomelo-orange hybrid.

What is chakotra?

A Hindi market name usually used for pomelo.

Can pomelo affect medicines?

Yes, like grapefruit.

How do I peel Pambalimasu?

Score the thick rind, pull it off, then peel each segment.

Why is the rind so thick?

Pomelo has a deep spongy pith under the skin.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.