What Is a Pomegranate?

A pomegranate is a fruit native to the region between Iran and northern India. In addition to the Mediterranean, pomegranates are now grown in California and Arizona, explains the California Rare Fruit Growers. The fruit appears in grocery stores around Christmastime, but it has more benefits than simply starring in holiday centerpieces.

Features

The fruit consists of an outer, inedible shell filled with ruby-red arils, or juice sacs, that can be eaten alone, used in recipes or juiced. The fruits are approximately the size of an apple or orange and have a characteristically deep purple-red rind. The arils are a little tart with a sweetness that complements both savory and sweet dishes. They are surrounded by a bitter white membrane that is not usually consumed. The tiny white seed in the aril may be eaten.

Nutrition

One 4-inch-diameter pomegranate contains 234 calories, 4.7 g of protein, 52.73 g of carbohydrates and 3.3 g of fat. A pomegranate is a good source of fiber -- one fruit contains about 11 g. Pomegranates offer 666 mg of potassium in one fruit, which is more than a banana offers.

History

Pomegranates are one of the earliest cultivated fruits, dating to 3,000 B.C., notes National Public Radio. Pomegranates often are used to symbolize fertility, health and rebirth in art and literature, and notable figures in history, from King Tut to the Virgin Mary, have connections to the fruit. It was introduced to California by the Spanish in 1769. Pomegranates are in season from October through January.

Preparation

Heavier pomegranates usually contain the most juice and edible seeds. There is no need to let them ripen, since they are picked when ready to eat. Pomegranates.com, the website of the Pomegranate growers of California, recommends removing the seeds from the membrane in a bowl of water. Discard the outer shell and white membranes, drain the water and use the seeds. To juice a pomegranate, put the seeds in a hand-held juicer if possible and strain out the white seeds. Processing the seeds in a blender also results in a juice. The seeds also can be also be added to salads, braises or desserts.

Benefits

Pomegranates and pomegranate juice are very high in antioxidants. In the June 2008 issue of the journal "Alternative Medicine Review," Thorne Research in Idaho said pomegranates potentially can be used to treat cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dental problems, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer's, arthritis and obesity. In the journal "Nutrition Review" in January 2009, A. Basu and K Penugonda of Oklahoma State University note that pomegranate juice has been shown to have antioxidant, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory effects, and that it might be advisable to include pomegranate juice in a heart-healthy diet.