History/Origin

Pomegranates originated somewhere between Iran and the Himalayas of northern India.

When you eat a pomegranate, you are consuming one of the oldest fruits in the world!

The pomegranate tree only bears fruit in hot, dry climates. It is mainly cultivated in the Middle East, China, India and Egypt, and frequently grown in Mexico.

Spaniards brought the pomegranate to California in 1769. California and Arizona still grow them today.

Botanical

Pomegranates grow on trees that can live more than a hundred years. Pomegranates are about the size of a large orange.

The seeds are called arils. They are imbedded in a white spongy pulp.

Arils are sweet and juicy, and can be eaten by themselves! Each pomegranate has 200 to 1400 arils that are bursting with flavor.

Ripening stops once the pomegranate is picked.

Nutrition

Pomegranates are considered SUPERFOODS due to their low calorie and high nutrient make up.

An entire pomegranate has about 100 calories and yields a little over a half cup of pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranates and their juice are loaded with antioxidants.

The pomegranates main claim to fame is in its heart healthy benefits. It can help slow down the oxidation of harmful cholesterol.

Fun Facts

Select pomegranates by weight, not by color. The heavier the fruit is, the more juice it contains.

POM owns 15,000 fruit bearing acres! That’s over 4 million trees.

Due to the high amount of tannic acid in the skins of pomegranates, Ancient Romans used the skins in the process of tanning leather.