Still uncommon on the tables of Northern Europe, the pomegranate has been known to be excellent for health since time immemorial – the Egyptians and Babylonians were, it seems, very fond of it. Will it become the super star of super diets like other ‘super fruits’? Zoom in on this explosive fruit!
Did you know that for some, it is a pomegranate that Adam and Eve would have bitten and not an apple… Slightly acidic and sweet, today it is no longer a forbidden fruit… Quite the contrary! Focus on pomegranate and its benefits.
Pomegranate, a healthy fruit to take seriously
Originally from the Mediterranean Basinthe pomegranate is a fruit very renowned for its taste qualities in the countries of the Middle East or in Italy and Spain (in the region of… Granada). In addition to being delicious, it starting to make a name for himself because of its health benefits.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Pomegranate
The pomegranate is first of all rich in polyphenols, which would constitute an effective means of prevention against cancer or cardiovascular diseases. These molecules antioxidants are also present in the tannins of red wine or even in green tea.
Studies have also been conducted to show that pomegranate juice would considerably slow down the spread of breast, lung and prostate cancers.
The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits – © Belt944
The polyphenols of pomegranate also help to fight against hypertension or osteoarthritis.
A natural aphrodisiac, pomegranate has a positive effect on the libido of both women and men!
It contains estrogens would make it particularly suitable during periods of menopause.
It is also a fruit refreshing et low calorie which will please both thirsty people and type 2 diabetics (without overdoing it) (1).
Nutritional values per 100g
| Energy | 75,9 kcal | |
| Eau | 80 g | |
| Proteins | 1,29 g | |
| Lipids | 0,74 g | |
| Saturated fatty acids | 0,12 g | |
| Carbohydrates | 14,2 g | |
| Sucre | 13,7 g | |
| Fibers | 2,3 g | |
| Vitamine B3 | 0,3 mg | |
| Vitamine B5 | 0,49 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 8,15 mg | |
| Vitamins E | 0,6 mg | |
| Potassium | 248 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 22 mg | |
| Magnesium | 7,5 mg | |
| Fer | 0,3 mg | |
| Zinc | 1,1 mg |
Rich in vitamins C and E, it provides the elements necessary for good vitality. Thus, a grenade has 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C (per 100 grams consumed).
How to eat pomegranate?
THE pomegranate seeds will adorn both sweet and savory dishes. It is better to eat it raw because it will have a better flavor.
They can of course be enjoyed easily in a seasonal fruit salad sprinkled with dried apricots and flaked almonds and flavored with orange blossom water for example.
In grout, it can be used in the composition of a vinaigrette to come under a pointe sweet and astringent all the crunchy salads.
Cooked, it will be less crunchy and less acidic.but it goes very well with chicken (in curry for example). They can be added to cooking sauces to warm the grains or toss them in the pan for a few seconds when deglazing after cooking meat or fish.
Homemade pomegranate juice (for 2 people)
Ingredients :
- 2 large ripe pomegranates
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- A few ice cubes (optional)
Preparation : Cut the pomegranates in half and shell them, carefully removing the white membranes to avoid bitterness. Place the beans in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds to release all the juice. Filter the mixture using a fine strainer to separate the juice from the solid residue. Add sugar if desired and mix well. Serve the fresh juice with a few ice cubes for added freshness.
How to choose the right pomegranate on the market?
To choose your pomegranates carefully, choose above all those whose skin turns from orange-brown to red. The bark should be smooth and shiny, without brown spots and not dried out.
A refreshing juice full of benefits – © Eugenia Lucasenco
The heavier the pomegranate, the juicier it will be. Finally, note that the best time of year to taste it extends fromOctober to March.
How to store a pomegranate?
The very thick skin of this fruit allows it to ripen for a long time without being damaged. Stored in a dry place, it can be kept for up to 2 months without rotting.
How to unpin a pomegranate in the kitchen?
The just the grenade tends to stain well, so it is best to avoid wearing white clothing when prepare this fruit.
To make juice, you can simply squeeze it by hand as you do citrus fruits.
Otherwise, after cutting it in half using a knife, you can take your time to remove all the small grains over a large bowl.
For those in a hurry, two other techniques can also be implemented. The simplest thing is to turn the side with the grains onto a bowl, and tap them with a wooden spoon: when the pomegranate is ripe, most of the grains will come off on their own!
Another way is to peel the fruit and then remove the large quarters. Dip them in a bowl of cold water and remove the grains with your fingers. The latter will sink to the bottom while the white, slightly bitter pieces will remain on the surface.
Pomegranate in the orchard
Pomegranate flowers – © janaph
Originally from Iran, the pomegranate (Pink garnet) needs regular or loamy soil to thrive. It also tolerates salt, limestone, and temperatures down to -12°C.
Very well suited to Mediterranean climate, it is particularly resistant to drought, having a limited need for water. Elsewhere than around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the fruits will not be able to reach maturity. It is therefore necessary to plant it in a container as an ornamental tree if you do not live in a hot area.
Article updated
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