Pomegranates
As a young child I had not seen a more curious fruit than the pomegranate. The continuing effort required to liberate each succulent seed hardly seemed worth the effort. Perhaps it was the challenge that kept me going back then, today it is the nutrition and unmatchable sweet-tart flavor.
A pomegranate is a fruit the size of a large orange. The leathery
reddish-pink skin shelters the membrane walls and bitter tissue that
house compartments or sacs filled with hundreds of seeds. A translucent
red pulp that has a slightly sweet and tart taste surrounds these seeds.
Pomegranates are grown in California and throughout Asia and the
Mediterranean countries.Selection and Storage
Pomegranates are available in the United States from September through December. Select fruit that is heavy for its size with bright, fresh color and blemish-free skin. You can refrigerate whole pomegranates for up to 2 months or store them in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Pomegranate seeds packed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer will keep for up to 3 months.
Uses & Preparation
Pomegranates are a versatile fruit and can be used as a garnish on sweet and savory dishes or pressed to extract the juice. To use a pomegranate, cut it in half and pry out the pulp-encased seeds, removing any of the light-colored membrane that adheres. The juice can stain your clothes so be sure to wear an apron or clothing that you don't mind getting stained.
For those that savor the pomegranate, the Moapa Valley Pomegranate Art Festival held in Logandale, NV each November is a must do event.Health Benefits
Several peer-reviewed studies have been completed where pomegranates health benefits have been examined while several others are on going. Health claims and findings relating to antioxidants, anti-aging and cancer are available.
Pomegranates are high in vitamin C and potassium, a good
source of fiber and low in calories.
Pomegranate juice is high in three different types of
polyphenols, a potent form of antioxidants. The three types - tannins,
anthocyanins, and ellagic acid - are present in many fruits, but pomegranate
juice contains particularly high amounts of all three. As antioxidants, they
are credited with helping in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.
Read more:
Pomegranate Council
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
