Cultivate
Pomegranate FAQs
Published Apr 18, 2020. Read time: 7 mins
Pomegranate FAQs
The pomegranate fruit is round and between a lemon and a grapefruit in size. It has a thick reddish skin, which is inedible. The best part of pomegranate is inside of that thick skin. When you cut into the fruit, you will see hundreds of edible seeds inside surrounded by a red, sweet, and juicy covering known as an aril. The seeds and the arils are edible while the peel is discarded.
People commonly eat the seeds and arils raw or make them into juice.
What Is Pomegranate
Pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub that grows between 16 and 33 feet tall. It originated in a region extending from Iran to Northern India and has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region since ancient times. It was brought to California with Spanish settlers in 1769.
What Color Is Pomegranate
Maybe you’re wondering, how does dragon fruit grow? Good question! Dragon fruit grows natively in Mexico, Central America and South America. Today, dragon fruit is cultivated globally in tropical climates, primarily in Southeast Asia and the United States.
Your next question might be, how does it grow? This flashy culinary fruit grows on a special vining cactus called Hylocereus Undatus. The cactus produces flowers that are just as legendary as the fruit because of their dramatic and fragrant night blooming behavior. Those beautiful flowers are where the magic begins, because each of them is a promise of a new dragon fruit. The plant is known to grow quite quickly and can produce fruit for as long as 20 years!
How To Tell If Pomegranate Is Ripe
A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy for its size, as if it's full of juice, with a firm, taut skin.
The juicy, plump seeds and arils will pop in your mouth when you bite into them.
How To Prepare Pomegranate
Many people simply cut the pomegranate in half and scoop the seeds out. It totally works but can be a rather messy endeavor.
We found this other way to cut open the pomegranate that is a bit more accessible and less mess. You can check it out on YouTube.
How To Eat A Pomegranate
Once you have the seeds out, there are so many possibilities. Just pop one in your mouth and you should feel a burst of flavor when you bite into the aril and seed.
Because of its beautiful reddish color, unopened pomegranate also makes a perfect addition to holiday decorations and centerpieces until you are ready to cut it open and eat it. What's even more perfect is that it's right in the middle of the harvest season!
Where Does Pomegranate Grow
Pomegranates prefer a dry, arid climate and are most commonly grown in Chile, Argentina, California, Arizona and Northern Mexico, the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean basin.
Nutrition Of Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a great source of Vitamin C and K as well as dietary fiber. It is also rich in antioxidants. All of this helps to boost your immune system and with digestion. It has also been linked with reducing high blood pressure, cancer prevention, and Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Per 100g of raw pomegranate contains:
- Calories 83
- Carbs 18.7g
- Dietary Fiber 4.0g
- Total Fat 1.2g
- Protein 1.7g
- Vitamin C 17% RDI
- Vitamin K 21% RDI
When Is Pomegranate In Season
Pomegranate is in season from September to February.
Pomegranate, A Holiday Fruit
Because of its beautiful reddish color, it makes a perfect addition to holiday decorations and centerpieces until you are ready to cut it open and eat it.
Pomegranates also stand up very nicely in shipping, making them a great holiday gift for friends and loved ones.
What Does Pomegranate Go In
First of all, it is a wonderful treat raw. Many people also choose to use it for juice.
The arils and seeds also add a perfect flare to so many dishes: Fruit salad, avocado pomegranate guacamole, oatmeal, yogurt, yogurt parfait, salsa with roasted red peppers, meat marinades, or dessert garnishes.
For a fun adult beverage you can make a beautiful pomegranate martini – whether you are using the juice or the seeds themselves.
Pomegranate is also used to make pomegranate molasses.
What Does Pomegranate Smell Like, Taste Like
Pomegranate boasts a range of sweet to tart depending on variety. The arils and seeds are juicy. It almost tastes like a grape juice, and can be reminiscent of wine.
How To Store Pomegranate
Whole pomegranates can be stored on the counter if you plan to eat within a week or in the refrigerator where they will last up to two months. If you do decide to store in the refrigerator, it is best to bring them out to warm to room temperature before eating. The extreme cold causes them to lose a bit of their flavor profile.
If you take the seeds out of the pomegranate, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about a week. Or, you can freeze the seeds for up to a year.
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate
Pomegranates actually add beneficial antioxidants and vitamin C to your dog's diet, and is often even a component of dog food. They do contain tannins which are known to upset dog's stomachs, so make sure to feed pomegranate in moderation.
Does Pomegranate Stain
Yes! Pomegranate easily stains fabrics. Be careful not to get it on your clothes, carpet or upholstery.
Here is an article written specifically for removing pomegranate stains from clothing and upholstery.