Pomegranates are a delicious and healthy treat, but unfortunately you can't just bite into them like an apple. The crimson arils, or juice sacs, are encased in a white, bitter rind. The arils can be removed ahead of time or eaten piece by piece for a great social accent with friends.
About Pomegranates
Pomegranates grow on a small tree in tropical and subtropical regions and are native to the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and Europe. The red conical flowers ripen into a deep red fruit the size of a grapefruit. The whole fruits have a long shelf life, keeping for up to seven months when refrigerated. Keep in mind that fruit in stores already might have been in cold storage for several months.
Edible Parts
The entire pomegranate fruit is not edible. Clusters of tart but sweet arils are encased in a bitter, astringent rind that needs to be removed before eating. The arils also contains an edible seed that can be soft or crunchy depending on the species of pomegranate. Juice or dried pomegranate arils also are available for those who wish to avoid separating the fresh fruit themselves.
Preparing Fresh Pomegranates
To begin preparation, break the pomegranate into wedges by deeply scoring the sides with a knife. Many pomegranates naturally have a hexagonal shape, but separation might be easier after slicing off the crown or portion where the stem was attached. Break the arils out of each wedge over a bowl of water and discard the small pieces of white rind that usually float. Afterward, strain the water and enjoy. Uneaten arils can be stored covered in a refrigerator for a short time.
Benefits
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and fiber if you eat the seeds. Though pomegranates are very healthy foods, they do not replace medications or medical care in the treatment of disease. Though more research is needed, it has been suggested that eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice might help slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries. As large amounts of pomegranate might interfere with certain medications, consult with your doctor before using it as a dietary supplement. Pomegranates are considered safe to eat and contain very low levels of tanins in the edible portion.
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