Autumn brings us little gems like pomegranates.

A fruit with a rough exterior and thick skin but with an interior full of color, with great antioxidant power and other good qualities that we are going to show you in this article.

But before I start talking about the benefits of pomegranate we have to start at the beginning.

What do you know about the pomegranate?

The pomegranate is the fruit of the pomegranate (Punica granatum). A tree known throughout the Mediterranean since time immemorial. This tree can be up to three meters tall and has very lustrous green leaves. One of its characteristics is that it needs heat for its fruits to ripen, so they do very well in the tropical and subtropical zones.

That is why our country, which enjoys an enviable climate, supplies all of EuropeGermany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Russia are the main destinations. The province with the highest production is Alicante with almost 95%. Although this does not mean that it is exclusive since there are also small plantations in other provinces such as Murcia, Valencia, Córdoba, Seville and Huelva.

The pomegranate is a very different fruit from the rest because, in reality, we do not eat the pulp as in apples or pears, but rather its seeds. These small grains are full of juice with exceptional properties.

What are its properties?

The first thing to notice is that it is a fruit with a very low caloric value. It is composed mainly of water and contains hardly any carbohydrates or fats.

It is rich in minerals, potassium standing out, although it also provides phosphorus, manganese, calcium, iron and magnesium. Among vitamins, it mainly contains vitamins C, B1 and B2, although in small amounts.

It also provides us with citric acid, malic and flavonoids with antioxidant action.

It also contains tannins. A highly valued substance in anti-cancer diets as it has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. By acting they manage to dry and reduce inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.

Why is pomegranate so good for your health?

According to researchers from the University of California (USA), pomegranate juice helps in the fight against cancer. Substances such as phenylpropanoids, hydrobenzoic acids, flavones and conjugated fatty acids, prevent the movement of cancer cells prostate and reduce the migration away from the main tumor and, therefore, the metastasis of this type of cancer to the bone.

Another study, this time carried out by the Queen Margaret University of Edinburgh (Scotland) in which they found that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day for 2 weeks increased testosterone levels by up to 30%. As they observed, pomegranate juice increased sexual desire in both men and women. Helping strengthen bones, muscles, improve mood and memory, in addition to reducing cortisol, which is the stress hormone.

These researchers also found that pomegranate juice helps fight cancer, relieve the symptoms of stomach disorders, osteoarthritis and conjunctivitis.

How to choose the best specimens?

The first specimens can be seen on the market in mid-September but their season runs from October to January. Thus, achieving an optimal ripening point that makes the granules inside are bright and with a precious ruby ​​color.

To choose the best pieces we have to take into account several things. The pieces should be a good size, slightly larger than an apple. They must weigh more than we expect, so we know that the grains will be full of juice. Its exterior must have a smooth, lively color with brown hues. We must avoid soft, wrinkled and stained pieces that indicate that the fruit is past and its grains are dry.

How to keep pomegranates at home?

Once at home we can keep the pieces at room temperature for a couple of days. If you are not going to consume them at the moment it is better to keep them in the fridge. Although I prefer to open them and shell them at the moment. I keep the beans in an airtight container, so I already have them ready for the morning juice.

And before the season is over I buy several pieces, I shell them and I freeze the beans in bags. So I can enjoy this fantastic fruit throughout the year.

With this simple gesture I can prepare at any time, not only rich juices, also salads, desserts, jellies or jams and other recipes.

Do you want to cook with pomegranates?

We propose you 5 recipes so that, starting today, you can start taking care of yourself and enjoying the mild flavor of this fruit.

In our recipe book you can find:

• Orange and pomegranate nectar: Best of fall concentrated in a juice. Thus, with a simple glass, you will be providing your body with nutrients and reducing the consumption of sugars so abundant in commercial juices.
• Coleslaw and pomegranate: Another typical recipe of the cold months where the flavor and textures of season products like cabbage, apple and raisins. A versatile preparation that you can even use to prepare delicious sandwiches.
• Pomegranate, tuna and strawberry vinaigrette salad: To prepare this rich salad I advise you to use the trick of freezing the grains of pomegranate. So, when spring arrives, you can enjoy a dish with authentic fruity nuances.
• Vegan cream with arugula and pomegranate: A simple and inexpensive dish to take into account in our weekly menu. We can also do it in advance so that organizing dinners is easier.
• Pomegranate yogurt cream cups: A dessert full of contrasts. From smooth and elegant taste that you can present even at party dinners.