A Pomegranate is the fruit of a bush native to the Middle East region, although it is also grown commercially in California and other areas with similar climates. Pomegranate is also known as the Granada, Grenade and Chinese apple. The size of a ripe pomegranate can be as small as an orange or as big as a grapefruit, approximately 7-12 cm in diameter, depending on its variety. It has a rounded hexagonal shape, with thick reddish outer layer.

Inside a pomegranate is about 700-800 tightly packed seed casings called arils that are deep red in color when nicely ripe. The taste of the juice differs depending on the variety and its state of ripeness. But basically, it can be sweet, sour or tangy.

A Pomegranate has yellowish shell that turns a rich red color as it matures. Inside the inedible husk are individual cells containing arils. Each aril is surrounded by a juice-filled sac, which is pressed out during processing. It is the juice of the pomegranate which interests most cooks and health food enthusiasts.

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.

The Pomegranate is a popular exotic fruit whose origins are from the Middle East and Asia. 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

The Pomegranate season is from October through January each year. Pomegranates have begun to appear in the supermarket. Pomegranates found in US markets come from California's San Joaquin Valley.

When buying pomegranates, follow these tips to ensure that you select right pomegranates every time.

• Look for large, unblemished pomegranates
• Look for plump, rounded pomegranates
• Feel heavy for their size compared to other pomegranates of similar size.
• Pomegranates should be brightly colored with tinges of brown.
• Avoid pomegranates with wrinkled, dull, or pale skin
• Look pomegranates free of cuts, slashes, or bruises.
• Pomegranate should be firm to the touch and that its skin must not have a dull finish.
• The skin should be shiny, taut and thin.

Pomegranates store beautifully. Keep them on a countertop for up to a week or two, in a cool, dark place for up to a month, or refrigerated for up to two months.

Store Fresh Pomegranates

Fresh, unopened pomegranates will keep at room temperature (out of direct sunlight) for a week or two and should last in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for a month or more. Cut pomegranates should last anywhere from a couple of days to a week if stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag in your refrigerator.

Store Fresh Arils

Refrigerate: Place fresh arils in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they'll keep for a few days.

Freeze: Arils tightly sealed in a plastic bag will keep in the freezer for up to a year, so that you can enjoy them year around

Note: Defrosted arils are a bit mushy so they work in cooked recipes, but aren't great to eat out-of-hand.

Pomegranates are not only delicious and beautiful, they're also one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat. The pomegranate's main food value is carbohydrates. Half a medium pomegranate is 82% water and about 50 calories. It is an excellent source of potassium (199 mg) and is very low. Pomegranates are High in vitamin C and potassium, a good source of fiber and low in calories.

Health Benefits

A new study has shown that drinking pomegranate juice frequently is extremely beneficial in fighting the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis). It reduces the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol which contributes to artery clogging and hardening. .Another study positively proved that pomegranates contain a powerful agent against cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Here are some common ailments that are known to react positively with the use of pomegranate or its juice:

• Anemia: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a little honey to a cup of pomegranate juice. Especially beneficial for women after monthly loss of blood due to menstruation.Dysentery: Drinking fresh pomegranate juice is an excellent remedy to soothe the pain and inflammation caused by severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in stools.
• Loss of Appetite: If you can't eat, at least you can drink! Pomegranate juice can help increase your appetite.
• Morning Sickness: Mix and drink an equal amount of honey with pomegranate juice for relief.
• Sore Throat: The anti-inflammatory agent in pomegranate juice significantly reduces the soreness and redness in the throat.

Pomegranate Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup arils from 1 large Pomegranate
• 2 ripe avocados, pits removed, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Place diced avocados in bowl.
• Add 1/4 cup pomegranate arils and the remaining ingredients to the diced avocados. Mix well.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Place guacamole in a serving bowl and sprinkle remaining pomegranate arils on top for garnish.
• Serve with assorted color tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

Dressing:

• juice from 2 large Pomegranates, or 1/2 cup 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Salad:

• 1/2 cup arils from 1 large Pomegranate
• 2 pears (Bosc or d'Anjou)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon sliced fresh mint
• 2 cups mixed greens
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Dressing:

• Prepare fresh pomegranate juice.
• Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until incorporated.
• Set aside or refrigerate for up to two days before serving.

Salad:

• Core, peel and slice pears. Toss in a bowl with lemon juice.
• Peel and section orange into 4 to 8 chunks.
• Divide greens onto 4 plates.
• Divide and arrange pears, pineapple and oranges on top of greens.
• Add sliced fresh mint with 1 to 2 tablespoons dressing to each serving.
• prinkle arils onto each salad and serve immediately.