
How to Supreme a Grapefruit: Easy Knife Technique for Beautiful Citrus Segments
Grapefruit, with its perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and a hint of bitterness, is one of my favorite fruits. But truth be told, I usually just buy pre-cut pieces… If only I could cut it myself and enjoy it anytime, anywhere! So, I asked fruit cutting designer Sawako Nashimizu to teach me the basic cutting techniques.
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Table of Contents
Cut off the top and bottom ends

First, cut off the top and bottom ends of the grapefruit. Use a knife to slice just deep enough to expose the flesh.
Peel the skin with a knife

After cutting off the ends, use a knife to carefully peel off the skin. Be gentle and take your time to avoid leaving any white pith. Since the skin is thick, it’s best to go around the fruit in sections rather than all at once.

Here’s what it looks like after peeling. The edible part is surprisingly small!
Supreme Cut (Segment Cutting)
Once peeled, it’s time to try a “supreme cut.” This is a technique mainly used for citrus fruits, where each segment is cut out individually. Let’s see how it’s done.


First, choose a segment to remove and insert the knife along the inside of the white membranes on both sides. Since juice can easily spill, it’s a good idea to place a small dish underneath.

Cut all the way to the center of the fruit. This allows you to cleanly separate one segment from the rest!

Repeat with the next segment, cutting along both inner sides of the white membranes. By continuing this process around the fruit, you’ll end up with perfectly clean segments free of membranes.

It’s easier if you hold the membrane in place with one hand while cutting—like flipping pages in a book! By the way, the leftover membranes can be squeezed for fresh juice.
Arrange on a plate

Arrange the grapefruit segments on a plate like the teeth of a gear.

If they don’t all fit, feel free to cut some in half!

Finish by placing the halves in the center and adding a touch of mint! The vibrant colors are so eye-catching!
This was a great introduction to the supreme cut technique, which many may not have known. Once you’ve mastered this method, you’ll be ready to enjoy grapefruit anytime! Be sure to give it a try yourself.
A fruit cutting class taught by fruit cutting designer Sawako Nashimizu. The class is divided into a Beginner Course and an Advanced Course, where you can learn everything from the basic techniques of cutting fruit to impressive, next-level presentation styles that are sure to wow. On Sawako Nashimizu’s Instagram, she shares photos of her lessons and beautiful cutting techniques using seasonal fruits!
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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