“The Texas Red Grapefruit, honored on an official specialty license plate as the State Fruit of Texas.”

Introduction

Few fruits embody a place as completely as the Rio Red grapefruit embodies Texas. Its deep crimson flesh, balanced sweetness, and unmistakable aroma are unlike grapefruit grown anywhere else. When the Texas Legislature declared the red grapefruit the official State Fruit of Texas in 1993, Governor Ann Richards signed the declaration into law during the 73rd Legislature on May 17, 1993.

[SIDEBAR: State Designation – Governor Ann Richards, May 17, 1993, 73rd Legislature]

Timeline: A Century of Red Grapefruit Innovation

• → 1929 – Ruby Red discovered in Texas (first patented citrus tree)
• → 1970 – Star Ruby released by Dr. Richard Hensz (irradiation breeding)
• → 1984 – Rio Red released commercially (Dr. Hensz)
• → 1993 – Declared State Fruit of Texas
• → 2020 – TR-1 mutation released

[CALLOUT: “A century of innovation turned a Caribbean newcomer into a Texas legacy.”]

“The Rio Red grapefruit, grown under the blazing sun and fertile soils of the Rio Grande Valley, has no rival in flavor.”

Grapefruit’s Origins: From Barbados to Texas

The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a relative newcomer in the citrus world. Emerging in Barbados during the 18th century as a natural cross between the pummelo (C. maxima) and the sweet orange (C. × sinensis), it was first called the ‘forbidden fruit’. By the 19th century, grapefruit reached Florida, and eventually the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the 1890s.

[SIDEBAR: Health Note – Grapefruit is rich in nutraceutical compounds that aid in disease prevention and a healthy diet.]

[SIDEBAR: Geography Note – Citrus production in Texas is concentrated in three counties: Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron.]

Comparing Ruby Red, Star Ruby, and Rio Red

Variety	Development & Origin	Flesh Color	Market Impact
Ruby Red	Natural mutation, Texas, 1929	Medium pink-red	First patented citrus; opened red grapefruit markets
Star Ruby	Irradiated Hudson seeds, 1970 (Hensz)	Deep red	Limited adoption in Texas; global success abroad
Rio Red	Irradiated Ruby Red budwood → budsport, 1984 (Hensz)	Deep red (5× Ruby Red)	Texas’s dominant grapefruit; State Fruit

Portrait of the Breeder: Dr. Richard A. Hensz

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – DR. RICHARD A. HENSZ]

Born in 1929, Richard A. Hensz grew up in Texas, studied at Texas A&M, served as a U.S. Air Force pilot, and completed his Ph.D. in fruit science at the University of Florida. In 1958, he joined the Texas A&I Citrus Center in Weslaco. By 1964, he became its director, overseeing scientific research and operations on a 340-acre farm.

[SIDEBAR: Awards – In 1993, Dr. Hensz was honored as Breeder of the Year, and Rio Red as Fruit of the Year by the American Horticultural Society in Nashville.]

Legacy: The Crimson Standard

Today, Rio Red remains Texas’s leading grapefruit. Its successors continue the pursuit of sweeter taste and deeper color. Rio Red is more than fruit: it is history, science, and pride — a symbol of Texas agriculture.

“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.” – George Washington

“The Rio Red grapefruit is not just a fruit; it is a story of science, resilience, and pride — the finest ambassador of Texas agriculture.” – Dr. Mani Skaria