History of the Pomegranate
Believe it or not, the pomegranate’s history began 4,000 years ago. In North America, it’s hard to imagine that a fruit growing currently in southern California began in various countries of the Middle East, then the Mediterranean Basin, then Asia and Europe.
Pomegranate Nutrition
The pomegranate’s popularity over more than 4 centuries is likely based on its tangy-sweet flavor as well as its health benefits. A powerful antioxidant, pomegranates are also felt to be anti-inflammatory and, as such, may help protect all organs and systems of the body.
The pomegranate’s seed/fruit sacs are called arils. Half of one cup of these tasty bits contain 70 calories, 15 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 15% Daily Value for vitamin C.
Pomegranates in the Kitchen
At holiday time, the pomegranate adds a festive flavor and look to green salads, fruit salads and desserts. Or, try experimenting with them in your favorite savory recipes using chicken, lean pork, veggies or fish. For some help learning how to open the pomegranate, enjoy this very entertaining video.
Try New Foods, Like the Pomegranate!
Are you stuck in a food rut? Same meals, day-after-day? It’s time for a change — to new foods and new flavors! The pomegranate is one food to put on your grocery shopping list right away and there are so many others. For an ongoing stream of creative and healthy ideas for your meals and snacks, LIKE my facebook page and grab my FREE Easy Mediterranean Menus ebook. Also, make a small investment in a new set of easy-to-follow kitchen resources with my bundle of e-books. All of these will take you down the path to better nutrition, deliciously!
Will you put a pomegranate onto your grocery list this week?
I am totally crazy for pomegranates, too, Cindy! Here’s an ode I wrote to them and a recipe for pomegranate cornbread stuffing: http://www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2011/11/21/cornbread-stuffing-with-pomegranate-seeds/
The recipe looks delish, Aviva! Thanks so much for your comment.
What a great video. I know buying a whole pomegrante can be so intimidating but this short segment shows just how easy it is. My Mom used to buy my sister and I pomegrantes as special treats, knowing it would take us an hour to pick out all those jewels. Always looking for ways to keep us busy. Good memories too!
I thought you’d like the video, Heidi. I’m a newcomer to pomegranates but I can already tell that they will become a favorite. Food memories of pomegranates – how wonderful!
Cindy – As always, thank you for the wonderful resources. Definitely makes clean up with pomegranates a dream!
You’re welcome, Lindsay. Enjoy your tasty pomegranate!