What is pomegranate?
Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) is a small tree or shrub.Its name of the comes from Latin: “pomum” means “apple”, “granatum”- “seeded”. The tree grows from 6 to 10 meters, has beautiful red flowers and nearly round berries with leathery skin of orange, light pink or red color and red juicy seeds inside. Pomegranate is native to Persia (Iran) and northern India regions. Nowadays pomegranate is cultivated almost in all parts of the world. In such countries as Greece, Egypt, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Pakistan, Persia, China, India pomegranate had a strong symbolic meaning.Pomegranate is mentioned in ancient religious tractates. The legend says that Goddess Aphrodite herself planted pomegranate tree.Since ancient times people knew about pomegranate benefits. It is used in medicine, culinary, juice and wine making. The dried or ground seeds are used as a spice. There are many easy to cook pomegranate recipes.
How to cut a pomegranate?
From the first sight there is nothing challenging, but still…So what is the method? It is recommended to cut out a stem end to stabilize the berry, then cut out the crown and gently not very deep make for about six cuts from crown to stem end. The next step is to open the pomegranate over the bowl and gently with your fingers pry away the seeds into the bowl. You may fill the bowel with water, it will naturally separate seeds from the parts of membrane. These small pieces will float over the water, while seeds will go down.
How to eat a pomegranate?
Do not forget that you are eating only juicy seeds, they are called arils. You may eat them after having peeled the berry or blend the seeds in a blender and enjoy a delicious and healthy fresh juice. Add it to soups, fruit salads, another juices and beverages. You can simply decorate any dish with pomegranate seeds.
What are pomegranate health benefits?
As you already know about the benefits of pomegranate in culinary, it’s a high time to speak about its medicinal value. Pomegranate contains a great number of chemicals and has antioxidant effect. It is used for such conditions:
- blood vessels problems;
- heart problems;
- high cholesterol level;
- flu;
- diabetes;
- erectile dysfunction;
- obesity;
- prostate cancer;
- sore throat;
- hemorrhoids.
What are pomegranate side effects?
Pomegranate is safe almost for all people. Do not use it while surgery, as it may affect blood pressure. The root and stems shouldn’t be eaten.