(Punica granatum) are round fruits with a tough outer skin and many small bright red fleshy seeds held together in the matrix of a white pith.
- Increased Immune Function
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke PreventionPomegranates are high in polyphenol antioxidants which could be linked to a decreased risk of heart disease.
How to choose Pomegranates: The trick to picking a good pomegranate is to be sure you are not picking a dry pomegranate. Avoid pomegranates that have indentions, and check the top portion of the stem to be sure it doesn't look dry and withered.
How to store Pomegranates: Keep pomegranates in a cool humid environment like your fridge. To create this you can keep them in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel. Kept this way pomegranates can last for 2-3 months.
Climate and origin: Pomegranates originated somewhere between the south of Iran to the Himalayas in Northern India. Favoring sub-tropical climates, pomegranates do well in zones 8-10, with some varieties able to survive in zone 7. (Zones are for the U.S.)
Taste: Pomegranates have lightly fragrant sweet taste and a crisp juicy texture. Due to the amount of seeds, pomegranates can be a bit of a challenge to eat.
Miscellaneous information: Pomegranates are seen as a holy symbol in the Abrahamic religions, and can often be seen depicted in iconic works of art.
