Fertility, beauty and eternal life — these are just a few of the symbols for which the pomegranate stands. The pomegranate is not only highly valued for its health-giving properties — rather, it is its shape and numerous seeds that have given it symbolic character in many cultures.
The origin, properties and history of the pomegranate
The pomegranate belongs to the botanical family of loosestrife and is basically not a fruit, but a berry. The pomegranate tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and live up to 100 years. The berry itself, however, reaches just ten centimeters in diameter. The pomegranate consists of several small seeds, which are located in individual chambers and are separated by white skins. The chambers, in turn, are encased in a yellow to red leathery skin that protects the interior.
Due to its numerous seeds, the berry has a great influence in many cultures: In Greek and Persian mythology, for example, the pomegranate is considered a symbol of fertility, beauty and eternal life. In the Christian Middle Ages, the pomegranate was seen above all on coats of arms and paintings as a symbol of power and the virtues of rulers. In Buddhism, it is also one of the “three blessed fruits”, along with the peach and the lemon. The pomegranate also plays an important role in Christianity: for example, some scientists believe that the apple that Adam and Eve ate in paradise was actually a pomegranate. That is why many also call the pomegranate the apple of paradise.
The ingredients of the pomegranate
The blood-red berry contains a lot of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. The highest doses are potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C and B. On 100 grams come about:
- 220 mg potassium
- 8 mg calcium
- 7 mg vitamin C
- 7 mg vitamin B
The effect of the pomegranate on our body
The pomegranate is one of the most powerful antioxidant foods and therefore has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and preventive effects against cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the berry not only improves our memory performance, but also strengthens our athletic performance. That is why pomegranates are often found in dietary supplements. However, one should not overdo it: If one takes too high amounts of pomegranate, it could have a negative effect on liver and kidney values. Pomegranate can also interact with certain medications, as the substances it contains inhibit the activity of enzymes. Thus, when taking blood-thinning medications with the active ingredients phenprocoumon or warfarin, the berry should be avoided.
The pomegranate in the kitchen
The pomegranate seeds are what actually makes the pomegranate: juicy-red, small, crunchy and tart-sweet in taste, they enhance many dishes not only visually, but also taste. As a dessert, in muesli or in salads — the small red berry always provides an exotic kick.
However, many people quickly lose their appetite for the pomegranate during preparation, because coring can be quite laborious and can produce one or two unwanted spots. To get to the small seeds as easily as possible, the pomegranate can be rolled back and forth a little before cutting. This will loosen the seeds from the chambers and make it easier to get them out after cutting. Another method of getting to the inside of the pomegranate as quickly and cleanly as possible is to cut off the ends of the pomegranate and then break the berry apart in a bowl full of water. The seeds will sink to the bottom, while the peel and skins will collect on the surface of the water.
If you don’t want to remove the seeds, you can simply squeeze the pomegranate. The resulting pomegranate juice can be drunk pure or used to refine cocktails or other drinks. But the juice also looks good in savory dishes. As a sauce it can be served well with meat and fish dishes. It tastes particularly good in combination with game.
Purchase and storage of pomegranates
Pomegranates can be bought in supermarkets or Turkish stores from October to February. Since pomegranates do not ripen, they are not picked until they are completely ripe. A ripe pomegranate has a hard red shiny skin. If the skin is soft, it is a sign that the berry inside is spoiled. On the other hand, dented, dried areas, as well as spots on the skin are not a quality defect. A pomegranate with such a skin can be purchased without hesitation. In general, the heavier the pomegranate, the riper and sweeter its seeds.
In the refrigerator, the pomegranate lasts between four to eight weeks. However, it should not be stored in the crisper as it is too humid there and will rot faster. At room temperature, the pomegranate can be stored for up to three weeks, as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Sources:
https://www.gesundheit.de/medizin/naturheilmittel/heilpflanzen/granatapfel-in-der-modernen-naturheilkunde
https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst-fruechte/granatapfel
https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/gesund-bleiben/ernaehrung/granataepfel-wie-gesund-sie-wirklich-sind-712647.html
https://aok-erleben.de/artikel/granatapfel-die-winterliche-superfrucht
