Origin
Originated in the Mediterranean Region before being introduced to California by Spanish settlers in late 1700's.
Pomegranate trees are actually more like shrubs and they completely go dormant in cold temperatures. We thought our tree died after its first season, but we learned it was just taking a nap.
Taste & Texture & Touch
Two outer layers: an external tougher husk and an inner "membrane" similar to the white, spongy pith found surrounding the fruit of oranges and other citrus fruits.
The seeds inside are known as arils, but technically the seeds are inside the aril juice sacs. Each seed is crunchy inside the juicy aril sac.
The seeds are numerous, a couple hundred per pomegranate, (but they can number upwards of 1400). The seeds are embedded within the spongy membrane and removing them does require some technique. (Watch the video below!)
Both sweet and sour depending, the seeds and juice can add a lot of flavor to all kinds of recipes.
Ways to Enjoy
Baking and cooking.
Juices, smoothies, teas and alcoholic (and nonalcoholic) drinks.
Cold dishes.
So many ways! Check out next weeks' post for three festive holiday pomegranate recipes.
Notable Nutrients
Pomegranates are a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen which helps wounds heal.
Fiber
Fiber helps push food through our digestive tract.
Fiber scrubs the insides of our intestines as it moves through our digestive tract.
Gut Microbiome Connection
Our gut microbiome loves the introduction of new foods, especially new fruits and veggies.
Because pomegranates are high in fiber, it gives all of the microorganisms plenty of work to do which helps increase their population.
Eating different foods and/or preparing foods in different ways encourages the development and sustainability of new microorganisms as they are needed to help break down the foods we eat.
Bacteria are supported by the types of foods we eat. There are some bacteria that we know are not beneficial to our gut, and these bacteria are present with diets high in added sugars, low fiber, and high amounts of animal fats and protein. While other bacteria thrive with diets high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies encourages the density and diversity of healthy bacteria.
How to Get to the Good Stuff!
It's been about five years since I brought home my first pomegranate. Sure, I'd had the juice in drinks and the seeds in various restaurant recipes, but never before had I actually opened one up myself. It's definitely daunting and that is exactly why I chose it for this post. It's messy (anyone watch Dexter?), but worthwhile. Wear an apron and use counter space away from walls. Similar to a beet, pomegranate juice likes to dominate anything it comes in contact with. Have fun!
Vitamin C is lost with exposure to oxygen. Place any leftover juice and seeds into a tightly sealed container. This is also why opening a pomegranate yourself versus purchasing the pre-packaged arils can be advantageous.
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