I saw pomegranates in my local grocery store the other day and decided to pay tribute to this amazing nutrient dense fruit. I love to discover what the stories are behind the food that we eat, so here is the story of the pomegranate….
The pomegranate shrub originally came from Iran and Iraq and eventually made it’s way to Latin America, California and South East Asia. The shrub produces these beautiful apple like fruits and within the fruit they contain hundreds of juicy seeds called aerials. The flavor of the delicious pomegranate is sweet and tart at the same time with notes of acidic tannin.
Depending on where you live you can buy pomegranates starting as early asSeptember and as late as the end of February.
Micro and Macro Nutrients
Pomegranate seeds and their juice contain vitamin C to help maintain a healthy immune system, B5 which helps manufacture red blood cells and certain hormones, vitamin K for proper blood coagulation, fibre for healthy bowels and detoxification, raw enzymes for too many things to mention here and antioxidants to help fight free radical damage in the body.
Pomegranates seeds and their juice have been known to reduce heart disease, prevent blood clots, reduce LDL from oxidizing, fight cell damage and lower blood pressure.
I love to eat pomegranate seeds by the handful as a snack but they are also delicious in mixed green salads, added to quinoa salad, sprinkled on top of ice cream or used in a cocktail as an edible garnish.
The Iranians have a delicious dish called Fesenjan that cooks chicken with pomegranate molasses and walnuts. It is amazingly delicious.
The Lebanese have a delightful dip called Muhammara that contains pomegranate molasses, walnuts and roasted red peppers. It is usually served with pita but I eat it with everything, from roasted salmon, raw veggies and even as a spread in my sandwiches.
*Note
Pomegranates have been known to interact with certain medications so it is important to consult your medical practitioner before consuming high amounts of pomegranate seeds and juice.