Pomegranate, considered a symbol of fertility, abundance, and good luck in many cultures, has been cultivated and enjoyed for thousands of years. The name of this fruit, which is used in many areas from salads to smoothies, cocktails to desserts, is even mentioned in ancient texts!
"I bought one from the bazaar, I came home with a thousand!" Pomegranate, which contributes to the human body in many ways with its nutritious content, is the main character of a riddle that makes many people, from children to adults, smile! In fact, the name of this fruit even comes from the Latin "pomum granatum", meaning "an apple made of many grains or seeds". With its ruby-red seeds and sweet and sour taste, pomegranate has a magical appearance, and throughout history, it has carved out a deep-rooted place for itself as much more than just a delicious treat.
Pomegranate has been used as a symbol of wealth for many years due to its many seeds. In China, pomegranate is seen as a symbol of fertility, and in Greek mythology, it is associated with Persephone, who was forced to spend one-third of each year in the underworld after eating pomegranate seeds. According to the myth, people who go to the underworld, the land of the dead, are punished by staying there forever if they taste the food there. Persephone's return to the world is considered the beginning of spring, and thus pomegranate also becomes a symbol of youth and eternal life. Now, how about we learn some scientific and practical information about pomegranate?
1. WHAT IS POMEGRANATE?
Pomegranate is known as a tropical and subtropical fruit with a thick red peel and many seeds. Pomegranate grows on trees and, as it is not a selective fruit, can easily adapt to different climatic conditions. However, this fruit still thrives best in dry and hot weather conditions and in moist, permeable soils. The origin of pomegranate is thought to be the Iran region. The fruit is believed to have been first cultivated around 3000 BC. Today, pomegranate is cultivated in many countries such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Cyprus, Turkey, USA, China, Spain, Tunisia, and India, and holds great importance for Mediterranean countries.
2. HOW IS POMEGRANATE CONSUMED?
It is safe to say that the uses of pomegranate are countless. This fruit, usually eaten fresh, is also used in making molasses, juice, vinegar, and sauces. There are approximately 600 edible seeds inside the thick and hard peel of the pomegranate. To eat these seeds fresh, it is recommended to cut the pomegranate in half, turn it upside down, and tap the peel with a spoon to release the seeds, or to make evenly spaced cuts around the pomegranate with a knife without damaging the seeds.
Even though it takes a little effort to get to the pomegranate seeds, it's enough to know that it will be worth it in the end. Of course, it should be remembered that this fruit can be peeled much more easily when ripe. It is also possible to store pomegranate seeds in their fresh form for a full 12 months by freezing them. In short, it is not surprising that this fruit is considered synonymous with abundance and plenty!
3. WHAT ARE THE USES OF POMEGRANATE?
The pomegranate fruit seems to have lived up to all the meanings attributed to it in the past. Because what can be done with pomegranate truly knows no bounds! Here are different ways to use this versatile fruit:
3.1. Use of Pomegranate in Beverage Production
To obtain pomegranate juice, the fruit is either separated into seeds or cut in half and pressed. In the mass production of pomegranate juice, pomegranates are pressed and then subjected to centrifugation. This allows the particulate structure of the pomegranate juice to settle to the bottom, resulting in a clearer liquid. Pomegranate juice, which is pleasant to consume and much simpler than the fruit itself, contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for the human body.
3.2. Use of Pomegranate in Vinegar Production
Pomegranate vinegar is obtained after the fermentation of pomegranate juice with acetic acid. Pomegranate vinegar can be used in salads, meals, and pickling to enhance the flavor.
3.3. Use of Pomegranate Seed in Oil Production
Approximately 10 percent of the entire pomegranate fruit is composed of its seeds, which are rich in lipids. Pomegranate seeds also contain fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The cold pressing method is used to turn the seeds into oil. The oil obtained by this method can be consumed as a supplement or applied topically to the skin.
3.4. Use of Pomegranate in Sauce Production
In the first stage of making pomegranate molasses, which is one of the ideal sources of antioxidants, the pomegranate needs to be washed, broken up, and then pressed. The resulting pomegranate juice is then boiled to thicken it, and cooled and strained. After this whole process, the pomegranate molasses sauce has an ideally tart taste to add flavor to salads.
3.5. Use of Pomegranate in Tea Production
Pomegranate tea is not made directly from the pomegranate fruit itself, but by brewing pomegranate blossoms after they have been picked and dried. Pomegranate tea, which can be consumed both hot and cold, has been used in China for a very long time due to its various positive effects.
4. WHAT IS POMEGRANATE GOOD FOR, WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?
Pomegranate is a suitable source for providing essential nutrients for the human body, as it contains proteins, fiber, potassium, iron, folate, and vitamins C and K. Thanks to these substances, pomegranate contributes to the ideal functioning of the body and is frequently recommended by experts for inclusion in the daily diet.
5. WHAT SUBSTANCES DOES POMEGRANATE CONTAIN?
A mature pomegranate weighing 282 grams contains approximately:
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11 grams of fiber,
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4 grams of protein,
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665 milligrams of potassium,
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0.85 milligrams of iron,
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107 micrograms of folate,
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28 milligrams of vitamin C, and
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46 micrograms of vitamin K.
The daily intake values covered by all these nutrients in a single pomegranate of the same weight are as follows:
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40% of daily fiber needs
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9% of daily protein needs
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14% of daily potassium needs
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5% of daily iron needs
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27% of daily folate needs
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32% of daily vitamin C needs
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38% of daily vitamin K needs
6. WHAT IS THE CALORIE CONTENT OF POMEGRANATE?
Pomegranate is known to be low in calories and fat, while being high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The calorie content of pomegranate is calculated as 284 for a single 282-gram pomegranate. This is significantly below the generally recommended daily intake of 2,000 calories for individuals. However, it is also important to remember that the calories in pomegranate primarily come from carbohydrates.
7. HOW MUCH POMEGRANATE SHOULD BE CONSUMED DAILY?
It is possible to consume about a cup of pomegranate seeds daily, a fruit that can be enjoyed thanks to its low calorie content! If pomegranate is to be consumed as juice, it is recommended to drink one glass.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from various scientific sources and should not be considered health advice in any way. Before starting to use pomegranate-containing products for any purpose, you should consult your physician to find out whether the use of this fruit in various forms is suitable for you.
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