Pomegranate Juice is Tasty and Healthy
The pomegranate has recently been acclaimed for its health benefits which include disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared with the same quantity of green tea or red wine. Pomegranates also provide a substantial amount of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin.
Pomegranates have been used medicinally. About the size of an orange or an apple, the pomegranate has a tough, dark red or brownish rind. The juicy scarlet red pulp surrounding the seeds of the pomegranate holds all the flavor. One of the reasons the pomegranate isn't as popular as it could be is that it takes time and care to get to the seeds.
Pomegranate juice can be used to make jelly, juice, sauces, vinaigrettes, and several other recipes. To remove the seeds, slice the crown end off and gently score the rind vertically in several places from top to bottom. Place the pomegranate in a bowl of water. Carefully break the sections apart, prying the seeds from their anchors with your fingers. Remove the thin membranes that separate the clusters of seeds. The seeds will sink and the rind and membranes will float, which makes it easy to separate the seeds.
To make juice, place the pomegranate seeds in a food processor or blender and process until a juice is formed. Strain the seeds out of the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or a strainer lined with cheesecloth.
Generally, a medium-sized pomegranate yields about 3/4 cup of seeds or 1/2 cup of juice.
