Hands on your buzzers – time for a little “Jeopardy” in the fruit category.

The answer is:  “Ancient myths cite this fruit as favored by the gods, symbolizing fertility in Chinese, Greek, Persian, Roman and Hebrew lore. They symbolize hope in Christian art and according to Jewish tradition, this odd looking fruit is a symbol of prosperity.“

The correct question is: “What is a pomegranate ?”

The name pomegranate translates from pomme garnete, French for “seeded apple.” In fact, it is often referred to as a Chinese apple. The pomegranate’s botanical name, Punica Granatum, translates to “apple with many seeds.”

This fruit originated in tropical areas of Asia but has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. History credits Spaniards with bringing pomegranates to California more than 200 years ago.

The most common variety of pomegranate is called the Wonderful or Red Wonderful. The fruit is about the size of a large orange, has a spiky crown, and is a deep reddish purple color with skin that is rather leathery. Although pomegranates will grow in some Southern areas of the United States, California’s San Joaquin valley is the site of major commercial production.  A typical acre with 110 trees yields 600 – 800  28-pound boxes of fruit. About 75% of the crop is sold in the U.S. with the remainder being exported to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Mexico.

Studies have found that pomegran­ates are richer in antioxidants than red wine, green tea, and most other fruits. A recent study indicated that pomegranate juice boosts the body’s production of nitric oxide, which may help keep blood vessels open and flexible. A 2006 study at the Univer­sity of California (Los Angeles campus) studied 50 men with prostate can­cer for up to four years and found that a daily eight-ounce glass of pomegran­ate juice slowed the progression of the cancer. The juice appeared to suppress cancer cell growth. Researchers suggest that these same benefits may extend to breast and colon cancers. The edible fruit from one medium pomegranate contains 104 calories, with 1.5 grams of protein, 26.4 grams of carbohydrates, 9 mg of vitamin C and 399 mg of potassium.

Pomegranates are in supermarkets now (and will be for just a few months) and are shipped ripe and ready to eat. Select pomegranates that feel heavy for their size and have no splits or cracks in the skin. They can be stored at room temperature (out of direct sun) for several days but for longer storage, place them in a plastic bag and pop them in the ‘fridge.

The only part of the fruit that you eat is the arils, which are the small juice sacs that are red and resemble seeds. Cut off the crown of the pomegranate and then slice it into sections. Place the sections in a bowl of cool water and then roll out the arils with your fingers. Discard everything else. Strain out the water and enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of the arils, seeds and all. Toss them into a green salad, in chicken salad, or add to your morning bowl of cereal. They are sweet-tart and delicious!

Pomegranate juice is often displayed in a refrigerated case in the produce department. Check the labeling and choose juice that has no added sugar or preservatives and has not been blended with other types of juice.

image: eatdrinkbetter.com

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