Pomegranates

Pomegranates – From Tree to Table

Pomegranates are exotic, ruby-colored fruits that have long held a place of honor in the diet and culture of many communities. The fruit is incredibly valuable nutritionally and is packed with vitamins, minerals and potent antioxidants. Yet, what many diners don’t know is there’s an interesting story concerning how this beautiful fruit began its journey from the tree to the dinner plate.

A Historical Perspective

Pomegranates were a common fruit in the Middle East for centuries. In fact, the first evidence of their cultivation dates back around 4000 years ago to Ancient Mesopotamia. It’s believed that this particular type of fruit was the very first species to be domesticated by man.

Throughout the years, pomegranates have been a highly valued food source and are cherished for their unique flavor and many health benefits. As a result, throughout the course of history, the plant has gradually spread to other parts of the world like North Africa, South Asia, North America and Central America.

Botanical Basics

At its most basic, pomegranates are the product of a flowering shrub or tree in the botanical family Lythraceae. Pomegranate trees have glossy, green leaves and bright red, clustered flowers that typically blossom in the late spring and early summer months. The species often grows in areas with mild seasonal climates.

Fruiting

Following the bloom of the flowers, the tree produces fruits in late summer and early fall. Pomegranates are round or pear-shaped and contain a hard, leathery skin which is usually resilient to physical damage. After harvest, the typically deep-red fruit can vary in size depending on the species.

The fruit itself contains a viscous liquid that looks like juice but is actually the edible seeds of the fruit. Upon closer examination, it’s easy to see that the exterior of the pomegranate is composed of several segments that contain an inedible white membrane and numerous edible, ruby-colored seeds. In some pomegranates, the seeds are slightly tough and crunchy because they contain small fibrous strands inside each one.

Planting and Growth

Pomegranates are not just great to eat; they also have a fascinating growth cycle. Like many trees and shrubs, the process begins with a seed or a cutting which is planted in the ground. It usually takes a few months before the seedlings begin to sprout and roots develop.

In most cases, a single plant can survive up to 10 years in a single area since it can propagate both vegetatively and through the production of fruits. During the fruiting season, pomegranates are known to produce up to 500 single fruits per year.

Harvesting and Preservation

When the apples are ripe and ready for harvest, a careful and methodical approach is taken to ensure that the fruit is properly removed from the tree. Prior to harvest, the fruit is typically inspected for defects like insect infestation or illness.

The harvesting season for pomegranates is relatively short. Once the fruit is picked, it must be carefully handled so that it suffers no damage during transport. This is important since pomegranates are extremely delicate and prone to bruising or breaking.

Once they arrive at the packing house, pomegranates are sorted, graded and sorted again by size. Then, they are placed into individual cardboard boxes or wire baskets and stored in temperature-controlled rooms. This ensures that the fruits remain fresh during storage.

Transportation

After the produce is sorted, it’s ready to be transported to its final destination. Depending on the location, pomegranates may be transported by truck, train, ship or airplane. During transit, the fruit is kept in insulated containers with temperatures that can be easily monitored. This is especially important for pomegranates since they are highly susceptible to heat.

Distribution

Pomegranates make their way from the packing house to supermarkets, restaurants or farmers markets across the nation. Upon arrival, the fruit is immediately inspected so that its quality can be ensured.

If the quality is good and the fruit passes inspection, it is placed on display in stores and refrigerated if necessary. This helps to keep the fruit fresh and make sure that it is available for consumers to purchase.

Consumption and Nutritional Benefits

Now that you know how pomegranates travel to your dinner plate—let us look at why!

Pomegranates are incredibly nutritious and provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals. The fruit is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin C, A, and K and minerals like phosphorus, manganese and calcium. On top of that, pomegranates are filled with powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and anthocyanins.

These potent compounds help to protect the body from various illnesses and can even reduce chronic inflammation. Plus, pomegranates are low in calories yet packed with dietary fiber which is great for digestion and overall health.

However, it’s important to remember that the edible seeds of the fruit are the primary source of nutrition. The rind of the pomegranate and its juice will provide some health benefits, but some of the antioxidant compounds are not as bioavailable.

All in all, pomegranates are one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits available. Their complex journey from the tree to the table is an integral part of the experience. From planting and growing to harvesting and preservation, every step is essential in ensuring this prized fruit arrives at your plate in its finest form.