The pomegranate is from the middle-east; specifically the area around Iraq and Iran. It has been grown there since ancient times. Pomegranates are grown in many areas of the world although most literature on growing focuses comparisons between pomegranate growing in Australia and pomegranate growing in California.
Pomegranates have an ORAC value of 2,860 units/100 grams. It is high in Vitamin C and B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and natural phenols, including flavonoids and ellagitannins. Pomegranates are high in fiber and unsaturated fats if the seeds are eaten with the fruit. Many people make the mistake of getting rid of the seeds and miss out on the antioxidant punch the fruit packs.
If you are new to pomegranates, you may need to know where to start. To prepare a pomegranate, simply slice it and separate the seeds from the strings inside. Throw away the strings like you would when preparing to bake a squash while keeping the seeds. The seeds are good by themselves or added to cottage cheese or a salad. You can also juice them. Make sure to buy fresh pomegranates and look for fruit that is not bruised or broken. It will feel full. You can keep them out for a week or in the fridge for 2 months.
Here are some products we have reviewed on the site that have pomegranate in them:
