Pomegranate – Learn All About It!

“Pome” comes from the Latin word for apple, and “granate” from the word seed, which perfectly describes a pomegranate. These red, round fruits have thick and inedible skin but the interior is full of hundreds of juicy edible seeds. Also, they are actually just big berries!

In this week’s FarmBoxes, we are including a seasonal favorite: Pomegranates from Pedro’s Organic Ranch! While originated in the Middle East and Mediterranean, it’s now cultivated widely around the world, and locally in California and Arizona!

How Do You Eat a Pomegranate?

Pomegranates can seem a bit of a puzzle to eat due to their unique qualities, but they actually aren’t hard to eat at all! All you need is a knife, a bowl of water, and a pomegranate.

1. Flip the pomegranate so you are looking at the crown. There will be about 6 ridges running down the fruit. Lightly score these with a knife (don’t cut all the way through).
2. Over your bowl of water and facing away from you, break the pomegranate in half
3. In the water, break the pomegranate at the score lines to create wedges. From there, you can take out the seeds (you can keep the pieces underwater to prevent the  juice from getting all over you)
4. The white pulp will float while the seeds will sink. Strain out the pulp and you’re left with little delicious gems!

 

Keep in mind that the juice is not to be messed with when it comes to staining! Work under the water so you aren’t staining everything in sight with the deep red juice.

How Do You Store a Pomegranate?

You can store whole pomegranates at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for a few weeks. If they are seeded, the seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. 

What are the health benefits of Pomegranate?

Packed with nutrients, pomegranates are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They have a ton of fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, and potassium. Studies have shown that pomegranate has impressive anti-inflammatory effects as well as helping to lower heart disease and increase memory and brain function. They are a delicious superfood.

What’s the best way to eat Pomegranate?

Aside from eating the seeds as-is, they are great to toss into a salad, sprinkle onto yogurt, add them to smoothies or turn it into juice! The flavor is versatile enough to be a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

 

Checkout everything pomegranate available at GrubMarket in Socal!