Pomegranate Also known as The “Chinese apple” By: Lacey Hartsock

What is It? Grown on shrub-like trees with orange flowers and glossy leaves from October to December Weighs about 9 ounces; the size of a large orange Full and rounded fruit with a flared, spiky crown A translucent, scarlet pulp surrounds 800 seeds that are compartmentalized between shiny, tough membranes Each seed is a fleshy, unusually bright-colored, glassy unit that is called an aril The flavor of the seeds is sweet with a hint of sour.

Where did it Come From? It originated in tropical Asia Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East Spanish padres brought this fruit to California more than 200 years ago.

How to Select the Right Fruit Good-quality pomegranates will be large, firm and smooth-skinned. The coloring of the Pomegranate will be an even deep-red. For a good fruit there should be every little skin blemishes. Try to avoid product with dry, rock-hard or wrinkled skin. You can tell the fruit is getting old when it has numerous brown or scarred areas on the skin. Small fruit will mean smaller, less juicy seeds with more waste.

Storage Pomegranate keep at room temperature for several days. Fruit and seeds will last up to 3 days in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Refrigerate juice up to 3 days. Freeze up to 6 months in airtight containers.

Nutrition The edible fruit weighs about 5-1/2 ounces 104 calories 1.5 g protein 26.4 g carbohydrate 9 mg vitamin C 399 mg potassium

White Pomegranate Unlike the red pomegranates, white pomegranate seeds are high with sugar content and have low acidity levels. The nutritional value is supposed to be very different as well, white has been said to benefit the heart.

Seeding the Fruit Pomegranate seeds are in leather-like pouches. To remove seeds easily, cut the crown end off the pomegranate, then lightly score the rind from top to bottom five or six times around the fruit. Immerse the fruit in a bowl of water and soak for five minutes. Break sections apart.

Seeding the Fruit Cont. Separate seeds from the rind and membrane. Seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl; rind and membrane will float. Discard the rind and membrane. Drain seeds, then pat dry. They are ready to use. The entire seed is edible.

Releasing the Juice You can use a blender to create a liquid then strain the juice from the seeds. You can also roll the fruit while pressing to break the seeds inside, you will hear cracking of the seeds. Then create a small hole to release the juice. Pomegranate juice stains. Pomegranate juice can be purchased in Middle Eastern markets, along with a concentrate known as Pomegranate Molasses.

Pomegranate and Papaya Salad with Ginger Dressing Recipe 1 medium pomegranate 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, chopped finely 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or a generous 1/4 teaspoon powdered 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil 2 heads endive, separated into leaves 3 quarts baby lettuce or other torn lettuce leaves 1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green part of green onion

Pomegranate, Orange and Kiwi Salad Recipe This colorful salad combines sweet seasonal fruit with spicy vinaigrette. Serve it with or without salad greens. 1-1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 cup olive oil 1-1/2 quarts mixed salad greens (optional) 2 oranges, peeled and sliced 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced 1 medium pomegranate, seeded (about 3/4 cup) To make dressing, combine vinegar and next three ingredients; whisk in oil. Toss greens with 2-1/2 tablespoons dressing; arrange on a serving platter. Alternating, arrange orange slices and kiwi slices over greens. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

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Interesting Trivia The Bible recognizes this fruit in several passages. One example… "And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen. And they made bells of pure gold, and put bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe, round between the pomegranates; A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the Lord commanded Moses." In Christian art it shows hope. This fruit is known to be favored by the gods. Used as a natural dye by many cultures. The pomegranate is used as inspiration for poets, writers, painters, and sculptors.

A Little Poem "The pomegranate speaks: My leaves are like your teeth My fruit like your breasts. I, the most beautiful of fruits, Am present in all weathers, all seasons As the lover stays forever with the beloved, Drunk on 'shedeh' and wine. All the trees lose their leaves, all Trees but the pomegranate. I alone in all the garden lose not my beauty, I remain straight. When my leaves fall, New leaves are budding. First among fruits I demand that my position be acknowledged, I will not take second place. And if I receive such an insult again You will never hear the end of it...."

Websites Used Cook's Thesaurus: Common Tropical Fruit Kate's Global Kitchen Pomegranate Talk:Pomegranate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTalk:Pomegranate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pomegranate Recipes and Information - Home CookingPomegranate Recipes and Information - Home Cooking About.com: POM Wonderful