Pomegranate
In Judaism, the pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, relating to the first commandment of the Torah, to be fruitful and multiply.
The pomegranate is not only beautiful to look at and delicious to eat, but is loaded with health benefits. Pomegranates are gourmet staples, used in recipes and drinks. Pomegranates are also being devoured as a healthy snack.
Pomegranates are an excellent source of Vitamin C. In addition, the pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, some of the most powerful of the antioxidants. And there is more: each seed provides a satisfying crunch and a bit of fiber in every bite.
So, when late fall arrives and other fresh fruits begin to disappear, welcome a bowl filled with the glorious red pomegranate. Its wonderful shape and vibrant color make the pomegranate perfect for holiday festivities, both visual and culinary.
Packed inside every pomegranate are hundreds of glistening red arils...translucent capsules filled with sweet, tart juice and a tiny, edible seed. Of course, it's fun to munch on the arils right out of the fruit, but don't forget that a quick sprinkle here and there can make ordinary dishes truly extraordinary.
We'd like to make a few delicious suggestions using fresh pomegranate arils that require no cooking skills whatsoever! And once you start using them, you'll come up with some creative recipes of your own.
- A tablespoon or two tossed into a salad will make ordinary greens look and taste exotic.
- Top your ice cream or sundae with arils instead of the usual cherry.
- Sprinkle them over dry cereal or into oatmeal.
- Stir a few arils into yogurt to liven up the taste.
- Arils make a gorgeous garnish for chicken or rice dishes.
Pomegranate use suggestion: Enjoy pomegranate seeds au natural or with your favorite cheese.
See also: Plums, Pomegranates, Ugli Fruit and Watermelon Food Facts
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of antioxidants that may help keep arteries supple; particularily anthocyanins. A prudent serving of pomegranate juice provides heart healthy potassium -- about six percent of your daily needs. The juices does contain natural sugars. One-half cup contains 70 calories, 215 milligrams potassium, 17 grams sugar and 0 milligrams caffeine.
To make your own pomegranate syrup, juice 8 to 10 pomegranates, strain out the seeds, then mix with 1/2 cup of sugar and a couple drops of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until it thickens into a clear light syrup. Refrigerated, it will keep well.
Nutrition facts per pomegranate:
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
- Sodium: 27mg
- Potassium: 260mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: less than 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1g
