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The pomegranate
is a shrub or small tree that bears fruit and parts from today’s Iran to northern India and its fruit has been cultivated in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia for hundreds of generations. Praised for it red colour and shiny seeds surrounded by a hard, red skin, the fruit contains both sweetness and tartness. From a symbolical point of view, pomegranates meant fertility, wealth and generative force in many civilizations, and are depicted in religious scriptures and archeology. Besides being used for garnishing salads, as inclusions into desserts and juices, they are used in cosmetics and folk ayurvedic medicine, which makes it a valued fruit all over the world.
Characteristics:
Pomegranates scientifically known as Punica granatum is described to be round in shape, have a thick outer shell with a color varying from red to reddish brown. In its interior, it is defended by systems of vessels and ducts which are separated by white spongy tissue: delicious pulp of the fruit is juicy, transparent arils may be red or pink or white. The outer covering of both sexes is an aril and each of them contains a small, hard seed; in this fruit species both the aril as well as the seed are eatable. This fruit grow on a small tree or shrub which has height of between 5- 10m with long bright green leaves and bright red or orange large bright bell shaped flowers. Raw pomegranate is a sweet-sour fruit, which can be eaten fresh, squeezed for juice, used in culinary, baked, or used in preparation of other products, such as pomegranate syrup or molasses. Nutrition wise, they are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber and flavonoids; punicalagins and anthocyanins – possess anti – inflammatory properties, good for the heart and may have cancer preventing abilities respectively. Horticulturally, this fruit form is preferred for its consumption, nutritional and cultural qualities by consumers .
Nutrition value:
An antioxidant fruit with many health benefits that can be accustom from the fruit people. A serving of about 100 grams of pomegranate contains nearly 83 Kcal of energy and comprises 77/80 % water, thus useful in rehydration nutrition plan. Protein 2.7g, paste contains carbohydrates 18.7g of which sugars are natural 13.7g the product also contains fiber 4g assisting in digestion. They also have 1.7 g protein and 1.2 g fat, and are good sources of useful vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C (10.2 mg ~ 17 % DV), vitamin K (16.4 mcg ~ 21 % DV), folate (38 microgram) and potassium (236 mg). Also they are said to contain compounds including punicalagins and anthocyanins which help in reducing Oxidative stress and inflammation. Because of low calories and dense nutrition values the pomegranates are very useful in dietary menu as they are known to help check heart diseases, strengthen the immune system etc.
Pomegranate health benefit:
Despite being a fruit of many uses pomegranate owes most of its health impacts to the high nutritive load up and antioxidant nutrients that it is composed of. It contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, fiber; as such it is fit for human consumption. These compounds act to help improve amelioration of oxidation stress, inflammation and have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, blood pressure. Normally, use of pomegranates has also been linked to sharpening of memory and other brain functions due to its flexibility shield function. But they can also alleviate digestion complications, digestive system disorders, and help prevent some forms of cancer and diabetes as well. There are so many health benefits of taking vegetables in your diet, and since many of them contain anti- inflammatory properties, vegetables can prove highly useful in cases of joint problems and Arthritis-like diseases. In general, pomegranates occupy one of the highest places among the most valuable fruits that are useful for the body and the head.
Drinks of pomegranate:
Pomegranate is both tasty and healthy when taken in or used in drinks due to its antioxidant content and a sweet and sour taste to different drinks. Pomegranate juice from a bottle is a nutrient dense drink, containing high amounts of Vitamin C and potassium; it can be homemade too by simply blending the seeds and sifting through the juice. This pomegranate lemonade is made using fresh pomegranate juice, lemon juice, water, and sweetener of choice, while the pomegranate mojito uses soda water, fresh mint, lime juice and sugar or honey. In order to serve a smoothie with material content and added creaminess, pomegranate is mixed with juice of its seeds, yogurt, banana and berries. Most cocktail beverages include pomegranate juice with vodka or rum and other complementary liqueurs with elements like margaritas or sangria. Pomegranate tea prepares juice or syrup, served hot or cold, along with green or black tea, making the mixture very tasty. Drinking pomegranate juice with sparkling water or champagne makes a great drink for congratulation or a dinner toast; a fruity and creamy Indian Lassi is produced of yogurt, pomegranate juice and sugar or ground cardamom.
Recipes of pomegranate
Pomegranate is a very creative ingredient added to foods and beverages as most are either hot or cold in nature with a brightly colored red exterior. Here in the salad, green leaves are combined with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese , toasted nuts and avocado tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. To make a smoothie, you have to mix pomegranate juice, Greek yogurt, banana and frozen berries. If you like non sweet meals, pomegranate glazed chicken is a very tasty meal prepared by cooking chicken in a mix of pomegranate juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar, then decorating with seeds. Pomegranate seeds also complement guacamole: sprinkled over mashed avocados, red onion, cilantro and lime juice the seeds add a pleasantly bitter note and a crunch. Finally, prepare pomegranate molasses from pomegranate juice with sugar and lemon juice which forms a sour thick liquid suitable for use in barbeque and other meats, and as marinades for cakes. These recipes demonstrate the best way that pomegranate makes any dish delicious and stands out.