The pomegranate originated from persia(Iran) and has been cultivated since
ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and
Europe. It has been widely cultivated throughout India and drier parts of
southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. The most
important growing regions are Egypt, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, India, Burma and Saudi Arabia.
Description of Pomegranate seed :
An attractive shrub or small tree, to 20 or 30 ft (6 or 10 m) high, the
pomegranate is much-branched, more or less spiny and extremely long-lived.
The fruit, which is about the size of an apple, has a thin rind lined with a
layer of white membrane which divides the fruit into several cells. Each
cell contains numerous seeds encased in a juicy pulp. The outer rind color
is pink to deep red when the fruit is mature on the most popular varieties
for eating.
Appearance : Mobile liquid
Aroma : Little to no scent
Color : Pale yellow
Chemical constituents:: Pomegranate seed oil has various
chemical compounds that include Punicic acids, oleic acid, Linolenic acid,
Palmitic acid etc. In which the Punicic acids about is about 80%.
Extraction: It is extracted by cold pressing of seeds.
Pharmaceutical uses:
It is an effective vermifuge, especially in cases of tapeworm infestation
and other parasites present in the intestines. Pomegranate has also been
found to contain some antimicrobial compounds. It has also been studied as a
potential chemoprotective substance in cases of breast cancer. It prevent
the scleratheroma and slowing down the canceration process. A moisturising
and nourishing oil containing over 60% punicic acid which gives the oil
anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Pomegranate seed oil can be used topically as a skin moisturizer or orally
as a dietary supplement. It can also be used as a massage oil and as a
personal lubricant. Pomegranate seed carrier oil is suitable for
applications in both soap and skin care. It is often viewed as a "face
oil" in that it moisturizes and nourishes dry skin. It is a natural
anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial product. It is effective in providing
relief from minor skin irritations and inflammation.
Flavorings:
The edible portions of the fruit include the seed and the juicy translucent
flesh enclosing the seed (arils). The tart flavor of the pulp and juice of
the ripe pomegranate can add interest and variety to foods.
It is mostly used in juice industry. The flesh-covered seeds can be used as
a garnish in fruit cups, compotes, salads and desserts and as a snack also.
The juice is used in making jellies, puddings, desserts, wine and fruit
drinks. Grenadine, made from pomegranate juice, is indispensable in
flavoring some beverages. Grenadine also makes a delicious topping for ice
cream and chilled fruits such as peaches, pears and bananas. Pomegranate is
used in making a very relishing syrups and sauces which are savoured in most
European and Asian countries like:
Grenadine Syrup
Add 4 cups pomegranate juice and 2 cups sugar. Combine juice with sugar and
stir. Heat just to simmering and simmer three to five minutes. Cool. Store
the syrup in the refrigerator for one to two weeks or in the freezer. Use as
topping for ice cream or chilled fruits or in beverages.
Pomegranate Juice Cocktail
Add 2 cups pomegranate juice, 1½ cups pineapple juice, ½ cup
orange juice and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Mix together, strain and chill.
Serve in cocktail glasses. Garnish with thin orange slices and served. Makes
6 to 8 servings.
Pomegranate Fruit Salad
Add 4 cups pomegranate seeds with 2 diced apples, 2 diced bananas and ½
cup chopped walnuts. Mix fruit, add dressing and stir. For dressing it could
be made with whipped cream or low fat vanilla yogurt
Pomegranate
seeds add flavor and color to any fruit salad.
Folklore Beliefs:
The pomegranate is one of the seven fruits named in the Bible. It is
believed to contain 613 seeds, which symbolize the 613 commandments / good
deeds and ones merits mentioned in the old Testament.
The Islamic tradition holds the pomegranate to be the fruit of paradise and
believe that every pomegranate contains one seed, which comes directly from
heaven. The pomegranate is said to have been one of the prophet Mohammed's
favorite fruit and is mentioned in the Qur'an several times.
The pomegranate is long used in folk remedies. All of the parts of
the fruit and the trees bark are used to alleviate many aliments. In
ancient times the uses of the pomegranate were many. The juice of the
pomegranate fruit was used as ink. The tree bark, fruit rind and flowers are
used as a darkening and dyeing agents for leather, yarn and rugs.
Industrial uses:
Pomegranate juice will turn blue when subjected to alkaline conditions. It
is widely used for making bonsai arrangement in Japan and China because of
its flowers and for the unusual twisted bark that older specimens can
attain. Pomegranate juice is used extensively for dyeing of clothes.
Balaustines are the rose like flowers of the pomegranate, which are
very bitter to the taste. In medicine, its dried form has been used as an
astringent.
