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Pomegranate

Also Known As : Anaar
Technical Name : Punica granatum
MySmartKitchenTM 1

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Pomegranates offer a sweet-tart taste with notes of cranberry, rhubarb, red currant and concord grape.

Usage Tips

  1. Pomegranate seeds can be added to salads, relishes, garnishes or desserts.
  2. They can be used in baking, juice blends, smoothies and alcoholic beverages such as cocktails.

Common names and forms

  1. Pomegranate pearl
  2. Pomegranate Pips
  3. Pomegranate Pulp
  4. Punica Granatum

Description

Pomegranates range in color from deep magenta to bright red. The spherical fruits are roughly the size of an apple and they have a thin but tough, leathery skin. They grow on shrubby trees. The interior of pomegranates is filled with seeds, technically called arils. Their seeds are the edible portion. Each seed is enclosed in a translucent, bright red colored pulp. The seeds can be easily and cleanly removed by breaking apart the fruit in four or five pieces. Pomegranate is available in the Northern Hemisphere from September to February and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May.

Health benefits

  • Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that help to prevent the oxidization of (bad) LDL cholesterol in the body.(1)
  • They contain high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids which prevent cancer.(1)
  • They also contain antibacterial and antiviral properties, which help to reduce the effects of dental plaque and protect against various oral diseases.(1)
  • Iron present in Pomegranates helps to reduce symptoms of anemia like exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss.(1)

Selection Guide

Choose a big  pomegranate as the larger ones typically have juicier seeds. Their skin should be leathery in appearance and the color should be deep red. Look for the pomegranates that have smooth, unbroken surface.

Note

People who are allergic to pomegranates should avoid the consumtion of this fruit as it  may cause rashes, hives, facial swelling, difficulty in breathing. Overconsumption of pomegranates might cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, seizures, damage to the liver, or internal bleeding as it contains iron in it.(2)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-pomegranate.html

(2) https://goodhealthall.com/side-effects-of-eating-too-many-pomegranates/

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”