 Pomegranate
Punica granatum |
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Other names |
Punic apple, Granada, seeded apple. |
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Pomegranate, aril only
Nutritional value per 100g
(3.5 oz) |
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Energy 70 kcal 290 kJ |
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Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults based on the USDA Nutrient database
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Description |
The pomegranate fruit grows on a deciduous
shrub/tree and originated from Persia in ancient
times. The edible parts of the fruit are the juice,
seeds (around 600 in each fruit) & the pulp
surrounding the seeds called the ‘aril’. |
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Part/s used |
Juice, seeds, aril |
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Nutrients |
Pomegranate fruit is an excellent source of Vit C
and Vit B5. It is also a good source of potassium. |
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Phytochemicals |
punicalagin, punicalin, anthocyanins, ellagic acid,
cynanin, ellagitannins, pelargonidan |
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Medicinal properties |
Both pomegranate fruit and juice are high in
antioxidant compounds and also have enzyme
inhibition properties which together promote
longevity and good heart health. They have astringic,
antiseptic and antiviral applications for both
internal and external use. |
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Other facts |
The bigger the pomegranate fruit, the less tannins
and the sweeter the juice. Pomegranates are the
most represented fruit in ancient art, documents &
religions. Many have thought the pomegranate to be
the actual ‘forbidden fruit’ of the Garden of Eden.
Because of its historical depiction as a symbol of
marriage, fertility & abundance, the pomegranate is
still the traditional house warming gift in many
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries where the
trees flourish in their ideal climate of hot dry
summers and cold winters. |
