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The pomegranate is a popular exotic fruit whose origins are from the Middle East and Asia. Also known as the granada, grenade, and the Chinese apple, pomegranates are now commonly grown in Africa, India, Malaysia, southern Europe, and in the United States, in Arizona and California. Pomegranates typically thrive well when grown in regions where the temperature is mild and where there is little humidity.
Pomegranates are the fruits that are produced from the pomegranate tree, which is a tree that can grow to heights of up to 25 feet. Pomegranate trees live for many years and produce many fruits. The pomegranate tree is also an attractive tree that bears white and red flowers. Once a pomegranate tree is planted, its fruit begins to develop after approximately one year.
You can recognize a pomegranate by its round shape, hard yellow and red colored outer skin, and by its unusual interior flesh that contains many small edible seeds. A semi-sweet pulp that can also be eaten surrounds each of these interior seeds. Additionally, both the seeds and pulp are embedded in a clear membrane. This membrane, although it is also edible, is not very flavorful and is typically not eaten.
Pomegranates range in size from three to five inches in length. Although pomegranates contain many seeds, the pulp that surrounds the seeds is very tasty and has a tangy flavor. Additionally, the fruit is very juicy. Common uses for the pomegranate include eating the fruit raw, using the seeds as dessert toppings, and pressing the seeds and pulp to make a juice from them. Commercial manufacturers also use pomegranate juice to make salad dressings, wines, jellies, and syrups. You may be able to purchase these commercial products at specialty food stores and markets.
From August through November, fresh pomegranates are available for purchase at many larger supermarket chains and at specialty fruit and vegetable stores. When purchasing a pomegranate, make sure that the fruit is firm to the touch and that its skin does not have a dull finish. Additionally, make sure that the pomegranate does not contain any marks or bruises on it. Also select only those that have a heavy feel to them because a heavier weight ensures that the fruit is fresh. Once purchased, you can store a pomegranate for up to one month in your home, provided that the fruit is refrigerated. You can also store pomegranate seeds only for up to three months in your home if you place them in an appropriate container and then store them in your freezer.
Although there are many varieties of pomegranates available for purchase including Balegal, Early Wonderful, Fleshman, Green Globe, Phoenicia, Wonderful, and others, all pomegranate types have beneficial nutritional properties. For instance, pomegranates do not contain any fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Additionally, they provide an excellent source of vitamin C and of fiber. For those counting calories, one pomegranate contains approximately 100 calories.
Pomegranates are also used as decorative items. For example, many people purchase pomegranates to place in a fruit bowl as an ornament and accompaniment to other more traditional fruits. This is because pomegranates have an attractive shape and shiny outer skin. The pomegranate is a unique and versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of ways.
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