Café Zupas Blog

in season: pomegranates

November 6th, 2009 - by

Pomegranates are ancient fruits that is native to the region of Persia and spread throughout the Mediterranean. They are enjoyed worldwide in their natural form, seeded, as well as a juice. The tangy sweet flavor of the pomegranate is sure to please and the health benefits make this power fruit worth its weight in juice. Keep reading to learn a little more about this antioxidant packed fruit.

  • Pomegranate season begins in september and continues through february.
  • The name “pomegranate” derives from the latin words pomum (“apple”) and granatus (“seeded”).
  • Pomegranates juice is full of antioxidants which neutralize free radicals.
  • Pomegranates are also great sources of vitamin C, B5, and potassium.
  • The little pomegranate seeds are called “arils”.
  • Most pomegranates sold in the United States are from the San Joaquin Valley in California.
  • Although pomegranate juice has been a favorite in its native countries for many years, wide distribution in the United States began in 2002.
  • In the United States it is assumed that pomegranates are more often used as a decoration rather than actually eaten.
  • There are at least 14 different “cultivars” or brands of pomegranate in the US.
  • The pomegranate is commonly used as a symbol in various religions and cultures.

Having trouble figuring out how to get all those tasty little seeds out of that pretty shell? click here.
Learn more about the pomegranate here and here.

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