Have you ever wondered how to eat a pomegranate? In this article I will tell you where pomegranates come from and where they grow. Also, the health benefits from eating pomegranates, and how to eat a pomegranate.
I love eating pomegranates, although you need to be careful because they can stain your clothes and hands, haha. But they are so worth it, whether you eat them as is, or put them in a salad, or juice them!
It is such an amazing fruit. On to the information!
Where do pomegranates come from and where do they grow?
The pomegranate grows on a deciduous shrub. Pomegranates originated in parts of Iran to Northern India region many many years ago. They have long since been grown and cultivated in many other parts of the world, especially in the Mediterranean area of Asia, also in Africa, and Europe.
They are cultivated and grown here in Arizona and in California, and in other States. I even have one that I grew in pot on my patio for awhile, then planted it in my parents backyard where it is thriving. They do really well in Arizona because they are highly drought tolerant and withstand our crazy hot temperatures.
However, they only withstand moderate frost so will need to be grown in green houses in colder climates.
There are many varieties of Pomegranate, but the most common in the Unite States is the Punica “Wonderful.” Other common varieties are the Parfianka, Purple Heart, and Granada. Although there are even more varieties than that!
What are the health benefits of the pomegranate?
Pomegranates are some of the healthiest foods and fruits that you can eat. They are high in essential vitamins and have other healthy properties:
- High level of antioxidants
- High in Vitamin C. A single pomegranate has more than 40 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C.
- Helps with cancer prevention
- Helps with Alzheimer’s disease protection
- Improves digestion and reduces inflammation in the gut
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps to protect from heart disease
- Rich in other vitamins, like vitamin E, Vitamin K, Potassium, folate, etc.
- Helps with diabetes
Find more health benefits here.
How to eat a pomegranate
Now on to how to eat a pomegranate. Begin by washing and drying the pomegranates. Then take a sharp knife and cut in about 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch in near the top where the stem is. Cut all the way around it.
Now you can remove the whole top part of the pomegranate.
Next, you will find ridges four or five of them usually on the outside of the pomegranate. When it is young and growing on the bush, it is usually completely round, but as it ripens and matures, it develops ridges, making it not completely round anymore.
Use a knife and cut down each of the ridges, cut in about a 1/4th of an inch. Then you will be able to open them up.
There should be a thicker white membrane that runs down the center of the pomegranate. Remove that with you fingers.
Now there are a few methods for getting the seeds out. You only eat the seeds, not the skin or the membrane. The membrane just isn’t appetizing, and bitter tasting, although it is safe to eat.
You can pull it completely apart and then grab the seeds and eat them like that. Or keep it intact at the bottom. Turn it over and hold it above a bowl of water.
Now take a spoon, or something, and whack the skin, this will dislodge the seeds on the other side. The water will make any white membrane parts float to the top.
Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer or something, and remove the floating membrane pieces. Drain the seeds with a colander and then place them in a bowl.
And there you have it, now you know how to eat a pomegranate. You can eat them as-is with a spoon, put them in a salad, juice them, and many other options. Enjoy!
How long does fresh pomegranate juice or seeds last?
If you store them in the fridge they will last 5 to 6 days. If they are not opened freshly picked pomegranates will last a few weeks at room temperature or a few months in the fridge.
Here is some other information you may find interesting:
I used to eat these as a kid. I’m now retired. My mom would cut them in half, and give my brother and I each a half. She would then send us outside so we could be as messy as we wanted to be. It was fun then, not so much anymore. So thank you for showing me how to prepare them. The health benefits are good to know also. I wear latex gloves to stop from dying my hands.
You are welcome, Perry!! Yes they can be so messy and the juice can definitely stain clothes, hands, etc. haha
Thank you?. So blessed to have found your passion for fruit. Looking forward to trying each. Sincerely Maria
You are so very welcome! 🙂