“American as grapefruit” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as “apple pie” but this citrus fruit is the only one believed to have originated in the Americas (Barbados, according to Britannica). And for a time, it was popular on breakfast menus across the country, and even spawned its own fad diet. Today, you’re more likely to find grapefruit on a cocktail menu than at a breakfast buffet, but there are plenty of reasons to seek out this unique citrus fruit other than its juice.

Like other citrus, grapefruit is at its peak during the winter months, and an excellent source of vitamin C — single fruit provides 100 percent of what you need in a day, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A potent antioxidant that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says is essential for supporting a healthy immune system, vitamin C can be an especially beneficial nutrient to load up on during cold and flu season.

Grapefruit can also stand up to heat, and broiling, grilling, or baking can bring out even more flavors as its natural sugars caramelize. There are endless possibilities when it comes to using this winter citrus fruit in the kitchen, and the following seven recipes are just the beginning.

Find the article and recipes over at Everyday Health.com