Pomegranates are a native fruit to Iran and India and, according to the Pomegranates Council, they have a 4,000 year history filled of symbolizing prosperity, hope and abundance. Pomegranate arils, or the seeds, are the parts that are eaten. They are found inside the hard outer shell and in between the white membrane. The arils are bubble-like juice packs surrounding the fiber-rich seed. Pomegranates are considered a “superfood” because of their high nutrient content.
How to Open
When it comes to pomegranates, getting out the sweet arils is the most difficult part. The juice can cause staining of clothes, cutting boards and countertops. The Pomegranates Council recommends cutting of the crown of the pomegranate first. This is the part with the stem at the top. Once the crown is removed, cut the pomegranate into four sections. Place the sections into a bowl of water and, using your fingers, gently roll the arils out from the membrane. Once the arils have been separated, drain out the water and you are ready to begin eating and taking advantage of their nutritional content.
Basic Nutrition
The arils, or seeds and juice sacs, are the part of the pomegranate that is eaten. A 1/2 cup serving contains 72 calories, 67.80 grams of water, 1.45 grams of protein, 1.02 grams of fat, 16.27 grams of carbohydrates and no cholesterol.
Minerals
Minerals are used by your body to build bones, make hormones and regulate your heartbeat. Pomegranates are a good source of minerals and a 1/2 cup serving contains 9 milligrams of calcium, 0.26 milligrams of iron, 10 milligrams of magnesium, 31 milligrams of phosphorus, 205 milligrams of potassium, 3 milligrams of sodium, 0.30 milligrams of zinc, 0.137 milligrams of copper, 0.104 milligrams of manganese and 0.4 micrograms of selenium.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for your body’s proper growth and development and deficiencies of any vitamin can cause health complications. Pomegranates are packed with vitamins and can help you reach your daily vitamin intake requirements. A 1/2 cup serving contains 8.9 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.058 milligrams thiamin, 0.046 milligrams riboflavin, 0.255 milligrams niacin, 0.328 milligrams pantothenic acid, 0.065 milligrams of vitamin B-6, 33 micrograms of folate, 6.6 milligrams of choline, 0.52 milligrams of vitamin E and 14.3 micrograms of vitamin K.
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