Discover the power of pomegranate - a superfood

Pomegranates are not only delicious, they also belong to the so-called 'superfoods'. Foods that are particularly good for your health because they are packed with nutritional and bioactive substances such as vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.   

Why is the pomegranate so healthy? 

Antioxidants protect your cells and DNA from damage. Which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, among other things. A glass of pomegranate juice has three times more antioxidant power than a cup of green tea.  

Pomegranate seeds have an anti-inflammatory effect, thanks to their high flavonoid content.  

A pomegranate contains about half of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin A (anti-ageing), E (protection against UV radiation, among others), potassium (regulates your blood pressure) and folic acid.  

Origin of the pomegranate 

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are native to Persia (Iran). They have been grown for centuries in the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, Afghanistan, India and the Caucasus. Nowadays, they are also grown in South and North America and South Africa. 

What's in a name 

The name Punica refers to the Phoenicians, who spread pomegranate cultivation. Granatum comes from the Latin word for grain, granum.  

• Did you know that the city of Granada is named after the pomegranate? As well as the Caribbean island of Grenada.  
• The hand grenade is also named after the pomegranate, because of its shape, but also because the seeds shoot around you when the fruit falls to the ground. 
• The name of the gemstone garnet probably also derives from the pomegranate. Because of the colour, but also because of the shape of the seeds, which look a bit like gemstones.  
• Grenadine (lemonade syrup) was originally made from pomegranate juice. Nowadays, it is also made from other fruits. 
• Because of their many seeds, pomegranates symbolise fertility.  

Fresh pomegranate salad 

Made this way. This tasty pomegranate salad from Acouplecooks.com.  

• Fresh pomegranate seeds from 1 medium pomegranate 
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced 
• 1 organic pear, core removed, cut into thin slices 
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, walnuts or pistachios 
• 3 ounces (6 cups) of mixed salad 
• 2 ounces feta or veggie soft cheese 

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup 
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 
• 1/8e teaspoon ground ginger 
• 1/8e teaspoon ground Himalayan - or Celtic salt 
• 6 tablespoons of olive oil 

• Mix the pear slices with 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning. 
• Mix all dressing ingredients together, except the olive oil. Then mix the olive oil into the dressing spoon by spoon. The next when the previous one is well incorporated.  
• Divide the mixed salad among 4 plates, then top with pomegranate seeds, shallot, toasted nuts and cheese. Mix with the dressing (if you have dressing left over, keep it in the fridge) 

Check out Acouplecooks.com for more delicious pomegranate recipes.