Do you really know about the exotic pomegranate? Its origins are from the Middle East and Asia. They are now commonly grown in Africa, India, Malaysia, southern Europe, and in the United States (mostly Arizona and California).

Pomegranates are the fruits that are produced from the pomegranate tree. The tree is long-lasting and can produce many fruits, bearing white and red flowers. It takes about a year after first planting to bear any fruit.

You can recognize a pomegranate by its round shape, hard yellow and red outer skin, and by its unusual interior flesh that contains many small edible seeds. A semi-sweet pulp that can also be eaten surrounds each of these interior seeds.

Although pomegranates contain many seeds, the pulp that surrounds the seeds is very tasty and has a tangy flavor. Also, the fruit is very juicy. Common uses for the pomegranate include eating the fruit raw, using the seeds as dessert toppings, and pressing the seeds and pulp to make a juice. This juice can be used to make wines, salad dressings, syrups and, of course, jellies.

From August through November, fresh pomegranates are available for sale at many larger supermarket chains and specialty markets. When choosing a fruit, make sure there are no bruises, the skin doesn't have a dull finish and it feels heavy (for freshness). Once purchased, you can store it for about one month in your refrigerator.

There are many different varieties of Pomegranates as shown in the green box to the right. All have slightly different flavors but share beneficial nutritional properties. They do not contain any fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Additionally, they provide an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Also, one pomegranate contains about 100 calories.

Pomegranates are a unique and versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used as decorative items (you can place them in a fruit bowl as an ornament). We hope you re-discover the beauty and versatility of this wonderful fruit.