Facts About Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a large fruit that grows on trees in hot climates. Around since ancient times, pomegranates were introduced to the United States by the Spanish. Before then they originated in Iran and India and spread through the Mediterranean. Treasured for its taste and medicinal properties, its popularity continues to grow and medical research companies are actively conducting health studies that have produced encouraging results as far as fighting some major diseases.

Types

Pomegranate Tree

Four main types of pomegranates are used routinely by consumers out of the fruits grown on 14 kinds of pomegranate trees. The fruit bears the name of the type of pomegranate tree it came from. The first type is called Wonderful and is the No.1 requested pomegranate type. It is a large globe-shape fruit that is red in color in both the skin and fleshy inside. The Grenada pomegranate is similar to the Wonderful except it is a deeper red and smaller. The third and sweetest type with pink fruit is the Sweet Pomegranate, named for its taste. The last of the four is Angel Red. This pomegranate has a brilliant red color, softer seeds and has a higher juice content than the others.

Function

Extracting Seeds

According to the National Institutes of Health, studies of using pomegranate for different illnesses have proved to have positive results in the fight against disease. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and prostate cancer have both been found to be helped by taking the extract. Pomegranates, relatively new to the Western world, have always been a healthy staple of Middle Eastern diets. Pomegranates are also used in food recipes and drink recipes. In addition, those that own pet birds feed the seeds to their pets as a treat.

Features

Pomegranate Seeds

Most pomegranate species vary from pink to deep red in color. They are round in shape and vary in size and weight. Pomegranates are a bit more difficult to eat than other kinds of fruits because the main edible part is the seeds. The seeds are clustered inside on either side of a middle membrane and must be removed from the fruit to eat. They are also red in color and appear watery. One side of the pomegranate has a circular stub where it was attached to the tree.

Benefits

Delicious Healthy Snack

Pomegranates are full of antioxidants that boost the immune system. The fruit also helps in keeping skin healthier and aids in the body's production of energy. The fruit itself has the benefit of not spoiling as fast as other fruits. Because the edible seeds are protected, they stay fresh as long as the outer covering is not split open. The best benefit to some, however, is the taste. The seeds are a mix of sweetness and juicy pulp that many people enjoy.

Warning

The saying "too much of a good thing" can apply to pomegranates for some people. Eating too many pomegranates at a time can cause stomach pain and loose bowels. In ancient times, pomegranates were sometimes used to make a poison because of this. However, if eaten in moderation, they are fine. Avoid using food additives or over-the-counter pills with pomegranates. According to the Food and Drug Administration, many of these have never been tested and could be dangerous.

Resources

• Fruit Gardner.org Pomegranate Article
• Home Fruit Production-Pomegranate
• POM-Wonderful Pomegranate Recipes