The pomelo is the largest member of the citrus fruits and grows throughout Asia, Malaysia, Tahiti, New Guinea, and Fiji. The fruit may be called pummelo, pommelo, shaddock, or jabong. Shaddock is clearly not an Asian word, but derives from the English explorer Captain Shaddock, who brought the fruit to the Caribbean in the mid-18th century.

Larger than a grapefruit, the pomelo is also sweet, with a very thick skin. In fact, the grapefruit is the result of a pomelo-orange cross, as the tangelo is the result of a tangerine-pomelo cross. The fruit has a pear like shape, but is far larger. It can be close to 12 inches (30 cm) across at its widest point and weigh up to 22 pounds (about 10 kg).

The pomelo has a light green rind that becomes mostly yellow when fully ripe. The interior of the fruit is a coral pink when ripe. Pomelo trees prosper best in tropical or near tropical climates, so there are few pomelos far north of the equator. Some pomelos have been grown successfully in the relatively mild climates of San Diego, California and parts of Florida.

Pomelos ripen in winter, as do many other citrus fruits. They can often be found in local grocery stores throughout the world around the end of December, although they may be found in some locations from late fall to spring. They can also be ordered on the Internet from growers who can assure the pomelo will arrive fully ripe and ready to eat.

Chinese cooks use the pomelo in various foods, but primarily for desserts. The rind can be candied or is used in dessert soups. The peel may be used to add flavor to main courses. The British export the pomelo and use the peels in marmalade.

In Vietnam, people gather the luscious blooms of the pomelo to make perfume. Ancient alternative medicines suggest the fruit may have been used to calm seizures and coughs. A preparation of the leaves is applied to skin swellings and said to cure ulcers. Brazilians use the bark and sap of the pomelo to make a thick cough syrup.

Americans are far more familiar with the grapefruit than the pomelo, but should be aware that the grapefruit derives from it. This is important because some medications have warnings about consuming grapefruit. Most notably, those who use carbamazepine, brand name Tegratol®, a common medicine for those with seizures or manic depression, should probably not eat pomelos or drink their juice, as it may interfere with synthesis of their medication.