Pomegranate must be one
of the strangest names for a fruit in the English language, but its name
conceals a fruit that is believed to have some very beneficial and healthy
constituents. If you have never seen or opened one, the pomegranate has a tough
rind, which can be either dark red or brownish in color, with a similar size to
an apple or an orange. The edible part of the fruit is the juicy red
pulp.
The pomegranate has been
grown in parts of Asia for thousands of years, and in countries such as India
has been used for medicinal purposes for a very long time. It was always
believed that the fruit could play a part in overcoming sore throats,
rheumatism and some inflammations.
The pomegranate is now
known worldwide, but its short season means that fresh fruits are only
available for a short time. It is widely available in most parts of the US, and
I did used to see it sometimes in the UK. It is a very seedy fruit, one reason
that I personally never liked the pomegranate much, but for those prepared to
tolerate dealing with the seeds, there is much that is nutritious in the
pomegranate.
The Nutritional and Qualities of the Pomegranate
The pomegranate contains
large amounts of some crucial minerals such as as potassium, plus important
vitamins like vitamin C and niacin. This fruit also contains a good amount
helping of fibre. However, there appears
to be more to the pomegranate than vitamins and minerals, which is why
scientific studies into this exotic fruit have been taking place in recent
decades.
There have been some
studies have suggested the pomegranate supplies some very powerful
antioxidants, with the pomegranate juice containing almost three times the
antioxidants found in,for example, red wine and green tea. An average pomegranate
contains approximately 100 calories, making an excellent food for those who are
on a weight loss diet. Many nutritionists recommend eating at least five
servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and pomegranates fit very well into
that sort of diet regime.
Selecting the Best Pomegranates
When buying
pomegranates, it is best to select those with the best colour, and those which
feel heavy when you pick them up. Pomegranates that are dry looking and
wrinkled, or which have a cracked rind, are best avoided. You will find
that pomegranates will keep quite well at room temperature for two or three
days, and in the refrigerator for up to three months. Apart from the fresh
fruit, pomegranate juice is also available, and that can be used for drinks and
dressings.
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