Pomegranates; are very ancient fruit, perhaps found in the Garden of Eden. Besides being loaded with nutrients, they also have an beautiful bright color (use as a natural food coloring) and unique flavor that mixes perfectly with other fruits such as oranges, tangerines, pineapple.
How to Choose Pomegranate
Choosing pomegranates: Large and heavy in your hand, with clean skin.
Benefits of Pomegranate
Properties: a rich source of antioxidants, polyphenols (tannins and apthocyanins), may improved blood flow to the heart, help stop plaque from building in the blood vessels, may slow prostate cancer growth.
How to Store Pomegranate
- Refrigerate: Refrigerating your pomegranate rather than leaving it on your counter or in your fruit basket will help keep it fresher longer.You can expect your pomegranate to last for about two months if you keep it refrigerated.
- Refrigerate the seeds: After removing the seeds from your pomegranate, you can store them in the refrigerator for five days. Be sure, however, to seal them tightly in a container or plastic bag before storing them
How to Eat Pomegranate
Suggestions: Pomegranate and orange juice; in some salad dressings; as a garnish for some salads, as a natural food colorant.
Cold Dessert: Exotic Fruit Salad: chunks of pineapple, papaya, star fruit, kiwi, mango, and lychees are spiked with white wine and rum and jewelled with pomegranate seeds.
How to Remove Pomegranate Seeds?
Take care when cutting into the pomegranate because if the seeds puncture the juice will leak out.
Using the point of a small knife, cut around the blossom end of the fruit to remove it.
With the tip of the knife, score the skin in quarters, taking care not to puncture any of the juicy seeds inside.
Working over a bowl, break the fruit in half using your hands, following the score lines. Break each half into quarters.
Peel the hard skin back from each quarter, releasing the seeds into the bowl. Discard any pieces of membrane.
Pomegranate Molasses Benefits and Recipes
Pomegranate molasses, also called pomegranate syrup, Is a fresh tasting molasses with a fruity tartness. It is an essential Ingredient In Mediterranean cuisines. It perks up salad dressings and is used in sauces for grilled fish and chicken. The molasses Is made from pomegranate juice by boiling it down to a thick, dark red sauce. It has a long shelf life and I think it is essential to supplement the vinegars in your cupboard with a bottle of this flavorful molasses.
Tips and Notes
Be conscious of where you are eating the pomegranate seeds, as they will immediately stain light colored clothing, table cloths, and carpets if dropped
Nutrients and Calories
Pomegranate nutrition facts: Calories: 68 kcal, Carbohydrate: 17.2 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 0.3 g, Fiber: 0.6 g
Recipes with Pomegranates
Sweet Fennel and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
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