Name The name pomegranate derives form Middle French, pomme garnete, literally "seeded apple"; it is sometimes referred to as Chinese apple. The pomegranate's botanical name, Punica Granatum, translates as "Apple with many seeds."
Lore The pomegranate's rustic beauty has long been an inspiration for poets, writers, painters and sculptors. The Bible and writings of Homer mention pomegranates. Ancient myths cite this fruit as favored by the gods. Pomegranates, bursting with seeds, symbolize fertility in Chinese, Greek, Persian, Roman and Hebrew lore. They symbolize hope in Christian art. According to Jewish tradition, pomegranates are a symbol of prosperity.
Origin This fruit originated in tropical Asia but has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. History credits Spanish padres with bringing pomegranates to California more than 200 years ago.
Sources Although pomegranates grow in some Southern areas of the U.S., commercial production takes place in California's San Joaquin Valley. Approximately, 75% of the crop is sold in the U.S. California growers export the remaining crop to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, points in the Middle East and Mexico.
Varieties The season begins in early August with the Granada and Early Foothill varieties, followed by Early Wonderful, then Wonderful. Supplies of the Wonderful variety, which make up 80% of the California crop, are in markets October through December, with the peak season in November and into December.
Growing Pomegranates grow on a shrub-like tree, with vivid orange-red flowers and glossy leaves.
Harvest Workers hand-pick pomegranates, beginning in early August through mid-November. Pomegranates are shipped through the end of December. A typical acre, with 110 trees, yields 600 to 800 28-pound boxes of fruit.
Size Size varies. A medium pomegranate is about the size of a large orange and weighs about 9 ounces.
Arils The ruby colored fruit we refer to as seeds are called arils. Each aril is a delicious sac of juice that surrounds a seed. Pomegranates contain 840 arils that are compartmentalized between shiny, tough membranes. The arils range form pink to dark red. Whether you swallow the seeds or spit them out is a matter of personal preference.
Flavor Sweet with a hint of tartness. Early season varieties (Granada and Early Foothill) have a higher sugar content and sweeter taste than the Wonderful.
Health The edible fruit from one medium pomegranate (5 ounces) contains 104 calories, 1.5 g protein, 26.4 g carbohydrates, 9 mg vitamin C and 399 mg potassium.
Buying Pomegranates are picked ripe. Choose pomegranates heavy for their size without cracks or splits. The skin varies from medium red to deep red with a fresh leather-like appearance.
Yield One medium pomegranate weighs about 9 ounces and yields about 5 ounces of fruit (3/4 cup) and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice.
Storage WHOLE pomegranates keep well at room temperature for several days, away from sunlight; up to 3 months refrigerated in plastic bags.
ARILS can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freeze in single layers on trays; then up to 6 months in airtight containers. Remove only the seeds you plan to use.
JUICE can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freeze up to 6 months.
Lore The pomegranate's rustic beauty has long been an inspiration for poets, writers, painters and sculptors. The Bible and writings of Homer mention pomegranates. Ancient myths cite this fruit as favored by the gods. Pomegranates, bursting with seeds, symbolize fertility in Chinese, Greek, Persian, Roman and Hebrew lore. They symbolize hope in Christian art. According to Jewish tradition, pomegranates are a symbol of prosperity.
Origin This fruit originated in tropical Asia but has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. History credits Spanish padres with bringing pomegranates to California more than 200 years ago.
Sources Although pomegranates grow in some Southern areas of the U.S., commercial production takes place in California's San Joaquin Valley. Approximately, 75% of the crop is sold in the U.S. California growers export the remaining crop to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, points in the Middle East and Mexico.
Varieties The season begins in early August with the Granada and Early Foothill varieties, followed by Early Wonderful, then Wonderful. Supplies of the Wonderful variety, which make up 80% of the California crop, are in markets October through December, with the peak season in November and into December.
Growing Pomegranates grow on a shrub-like tree, with vivid orange-red flowers and glossy leaves.
Harvest Workers hand-pick pomegranates, beginning in early August through mid-November. Pomegranates are shipped through the end of December. A typical acre, with 110 trees, yields 600 to 800 28-pound boxes of fruit.
Size Size varies. A medium pomegranate is about the size of a large orange and weighs about 9 ounces.
Arils The ruby colored fruit we refer to as seeds are called arils. Each aril is a delicious sac of juice that surrounds a seed. Pomegranates contain 840 arils that are compartmentalized between shiny, tough membranes. The arils range form pink to dark red. Whether you swallow the seeds or spit them out is a matter of personal preference.
Flavor Sweet with a hint of tartness. Early season varieties (Granada and Early Foothill) have a higher sugar content and sweeter taste than the Wonderful.
Health The edible fruit from one medium pomegranate (5 ounces) contains 104 calories, 1.5 g protein, 26.4 g carbohydrates, 9 mg vitamin C and 399 mg potassium.
Buying Pomegranates are picked ripe. Choose pomegranates heavy for their size without cracks or splits. The skin varies from medium red to deep red with a fresh leather-like appearance.
Yield One medium pomegranate weighs about 9 ounces and yields about 5 ounces of fruit (3/4 cup) and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice.
Storage WHOLE pomegranates keep well at room temperature for several days, away from sunlight; up to 3 months refrigerated in plastic bags.
ARILS can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freeze in single layers on trays; then up to 6 months in airtight containers. Remove only the seeds you plan to use.
JUICE can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freeze up to 6 months.
No comments:
Post a Comment