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.
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