Pomegranate, the heavenly fruit of Persia

Have you ever tasted this crunchy, refreshing and colorful berry-like fruit?

Did you know that Pomegranate is native to the area of modern Iraq and Iran, spread to Northern India, and is one of the most ancient fruits?

Did you know it is said that some Persians believe Eve actually ate a pomegranate she plucked from the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden, not an apple. And that ancient Egyptians buried their dead with pomegranates because they believed it offered eternal life?

Do you know about the countless health benefits of pomegranate, and the numerous studies that reveal these benefits? To quote only one of such study, “This vibrant fruit is chock-full of antioxidants, natural chemicals found in plants that mop up harmful free radicals, which damage tissues and may contribute to a variety of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Don’t have time to prepare the fruit? You can get many of the same benefits from drinking a glass of pomegranate juice! Don’t pass up an opportunity to enjoy the fruit itself, however — the tart, jelly-like taste is unique and wonderful. A one-cup serving of juice has 150 calories and a half-cup of pomegranate seeds has only 72 calories and four grams of fiber!”

Finally, for the beginners, do you even know how to eat pomegranate!? Seeding it is the way to go and here is you go about doing it.

There are several Iranian foods in which pomegranate juice is used, namely khoresh-e fesenjaan. While the it is in season though, don’t miss the fresh form of the fruit in your salad, or just as snack.