Originally from Persia, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is one of the most nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruits available. In fact, POMEGRANATES are THE most powerful antioxidant of ALL fruits~ Pomegranate juice is available year-round, thanks to a series of studies^ applauding its benefits. Pomegranates are loaded with Vitamins B & C, folic acid, iron and potassium.
NOW through the end of January is THE time to purchase it fresh, at your local grocers.
Juicy pomegranate fruit
CHECK OUT THESE Pomegranate Power HIGHLIGHTS:
- Can lower blood pressure
- Can lower cholesterol
- Can reverse abnormal platelet aggregation*
(i.e. reduce buildup of plaque on arterial walls; help to prevent heart attack and stroke))
- Promotes immune system strength
- Powerful anti-cancer attributes
- May protect against osteoporosis
- May help to improve memory + brain function in mid-age + older folks**
* Organic Pomegranate seeds can act somewhat like 'low dose aspirin' ~ by helping to stop the platelets in the blood from sticking together, and so avoiding the formation of blood clots.
** Here's an informative article from Green Med with some good studies.
As I gal with a definite interest in heart health (after some major stuff...), I include pomegranates in my life as a part of my 'healthy life plan'. There are numerous reasons to make sure that we figure out ways to add this special fruit -- there are some studies in the mix from recent years. Green Med Info has put some together with some good reading if you want do delve into these studies!! Here's a very
in-depth look at Pomegranate Power!
I enjoy the commercially prepared POM Pomegranate juice, for it's fabulous taste and convenience. It is well-documented for it's heart healthy attributes. My dear friend, Julia, inspired me with a yummy idea for festive seasonal cocktails. (This is a great way to stretch that bottle of vino when entertaining~ actually at any time of year!)
Julia's favourite cooler
1 part red wine
1 part Pomegranate juice
1 part Perrier (or other bubbly water)
Perhaps a more seasonal suggestion, however, for cold winter days, is this steamy 'inspired' Apple Cider. It's easy to make a super nutritious. I have made it several times ~ always a hit with friends & family.
HOT POMEGRANATE APPLE CIDER
Ingredients
- 1 cinnamon stick broken
- 5 whole cloves
- 5 whole allspice
- 2 slices ginger root
- 3 cups 750 mL apple cider
- 1-½ cups 375 mL 100 % pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoon 30 mL liquid honey
Instructions
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Make a 'spice bag' with a 4 inch square of cheesecloth.
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Tie together cinnamon, cloves, allspice and ginger.
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Place in a saucepan.
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Add apple cider, pomegranate juice and honey;
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Bring to simmer over medium heat.
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Reduce heat to medium-low;
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Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Tip: If the cider becomes cloudy while heating, strain through cheesecloth-lined sieve before serving. (Source : Adapted from Canadian Living Magazine: October 2008)
Dietary Notes:
Whole 30:
Fruit juice is the only acceptable added sweetener on the Whole30. Use it to flavour sauces, soups, or entrees. It’s suggested that you simply eat a piece of fruit instead, rather than drinking the juice.
Keto: Consume the seeds not the juice
Paleo: Ok for seeds + limited juice
So what to do with these li'l pearls of perfect antioxidant power?
Pomegranate Power ideas:
1. Add to your next batch of cranberry sauce!
2. Sprinkle on avocado toast
3. Sprinkle on festive fall and winter salads
4. Add to roasted Brussel's sprouts (just before serving)
5. Include in a holiday platter atop a round of baked Brie
There are so many ways to add a smattering of the seeds into our day. I find that they pair very well with oranges or pears, with walnuts or pecans, with goat cheese or haloumi.
Here's a recipe for Chia pudding with glorious topping of pomegranate seeds! This is always a delightful way to start the day!
also has several recipe ideas for you -- Pomegranate Power is real. Enjoy this fabulous fruit often!
How do you like to enjoy these amazing fruits??
Please leave a comment below~
Here's to our great health !! xo Carol
STACEY CRAWFORD
I love pomegranate but have never used it in a recipe. So many great ideas here! I want to make the cider!
Daniela
Pomegranate is a wonder fruit! I notice such change when I consume it on a regular basis! Great post, Carol! And the pomegranate apple cider sounds like a powerhouse of nutrients! Seriously amazing.
Carol Little
Thanks Daniela. That cider is delish!! Good feedback re regular consumption.
Meredith
Pomegranates are one of our favorite winter fruit, thanks for the informative post on why they are so good for us to eat! And I am excited to try your cider recipe. My whole family will love it!
ChihYu
love pomegranate! They are so festive and delicious, too!
jennifer
Great Info! I can't wait to try the pommegranate apple cider!
Carol Little
Thanks Jennifer! Hope you get to make it very soon!
Katherine G Beck
That cider sounds awesome - it would be great for a party. ANd me and my kids LOVE pomegranates - we are always putting them in salads or on top of tarts, they taste great and it is a bonus how healthy they are :)
Carol Little
Great news.. that you are often using pomegranates in your meals!
Yang
What a lovely pomegranate flavoured cider! This is a perfect recipe for fall.
Carol Little
It IS so good.. Hope you get to make some and enjoy!
Anya
I've never tried pomegranate in hot cider but what a brilliant idea.
linda spiker
Such a beautiful and delicious fruit! My husband's favorite too btw. Great post Carol!
Carol Little
I need to buy and use it more myself. That tutorial will be a big help, hopefully for many of us!!
Jean
I've always loved pomegranate but I never knew how healthy they are! That cider sounds amazing. I need to try it out!
Raia Todd
I just bought a pomegranate yesterday! Can't wait to open it up and boost my immune system. :)
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
Wow! I learned something new about pomegranates! I love the sound of this cider!
Joni Gomes
Love the cider recipe! Going out to get my hands on as many pomegranates as possible!
Sara
Love all the ideas for using pomegranate! The cider sounds especially yummy!!
Kiran Dodeja Smith
Absolutely love that you used these in cider. My kids will love this! Trying it this week:).
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
This cider recipe is perfect!!! I've never thought of using pomegranates for cider, what a brilliant idea. I love the flavors in this.
Carol Little
Great Em. Hope you enjoy it!
Renee D Kohley
My girls will love the hot cider! I'll be making that! My youngests Montessori classroom had one week where the practical life work was de-seeding poms and she fell in love with them!
Kiran Dodeja Smith
Love that your kids (or at least one) is in Montessori, too. We are as well!
Carol Little
Great story! Hope y'all enjoy it!
Hope
I love the sound of the festive cocktail and the cider - both sound like delicious drinks! Thanks for sharing all of the health benefits about pomegranates :)
Carol Little
You are so welcome! It's festive.. for sure!