Pomegranates are a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients. Yet, sadly enough, a lack of knowledge about this fruit prevents many consumers for purchasing it.
Finding out more about how to buy pomegranates can benefit you and your diet regimen.
Pomegranates: How to Buy This Distinctive Fruit
Apples, oranges, and bananas a variety of fruits that are easy to purchase. They are commonly found in a wide array of stores.
Not to mention, it is simple to test their ripeness. Yet, if you are tired of these typical fruit options you may have to dig a little deeper. Fruits, like pomegranates, boast a plethora of health benefits.[1]
However, many buyers simply do not know much about this variety making it less frequently shopped.
If you are ready for a change in your diet, consider these tips on buying pomegranates to feel more comfortable with exotic and healthy fruit option.
Where Do Pomegranates Come From?
This plant is a native fruit to India and Iran and is harvested commercially for consumption in nearby locales. Expanding to different parts of the world, pomegranates can also be found in South Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.[2]
Yet, within the United States pomegranates are grown in Arizona and California.
The temperate climate of these areas makes it easy for these plants to grow in these environments.
Typically reaching their peak production in late fall, a common time to buy pomegranates in the United States is from early September through mid-November.
Since this season is short, it is important to take advantage of these seasonal fruits during this time frame.
Otherwise, the risk of not gaining access to pomegranates for purchase is a potential.
Where to Buy Pomegranates
Unlike other fruit that can be canned, frozen, or stored for long period of time, pomegranates are limited in how they can be purchased and stored.
This makes the avenues through which they can be found more limited than for other fruit options. Typically, pomegranates are only purchased in their fresh state.
They can be found in local grocery stores, health food stores, large food warehouse markets, and at local farmers markets.
Usually purchased in whole fruit form, some large-scale distributors offer pomegranate seeds for purchase which make a quick and healthy snack.
Pomegranate juice is also a popular option, which can be more shelf stable.
Related: Tips to buy Orange Juice
How to Pick a Good Pomegranate
Whether you have ever eaten a pomegranate before or are a complete novice, picking out the right pomegranate for purchase can be tricky.
Since the meat of this fruit consists of small seed that are situated within its innermost area, you must judge the outside to determine if the fruit within is ripe.
Brilliant crimson and juicy, the jewels within these fruits are delicious if harvested and enjoyed at the right time. Like any other fruit, you should avoid pomegranates that are bruised, cracked, or exposed in any manner.[3]
Buyers should look for a fruit that is firm on the outside, heavy in weight, and large in size. In fact, the larger the pomegranate you choose the juicier it is likely to be.
Do not worry too much about the outside coloring of your pomegranate, as this is determined by the variety you are selecting rather than its ripeness.
How to Get the Best Price for Pomegranates
Pomegranates are available at various price points. Depending on your geographic location, current season, and average cost, buyers may find that pomegranate prices vary greatly.
Additionally, buying organic versus non-organic will also make a difference in the cost of pomegranates. Typically speaking, organic produce is always priced higher than non-organic.
Also, buying in bulk will take the cost down a bit for you. As you can see, there are many different options to reduce the cost of pomegranates making them affordable for all.
Health Benefits of Pomegranates
As we touched on previously, the health benefits of pomegranates extend far and wide. In fact, they are considered one of the healthiest foods available on Earth.[4]
Now that is quite the claim! Yet, it has been proven true time and time again that pomegranates offer various disease-fighting capabilities and unmatched antioxidant power.
The edible portion of this fruit is loaded with nutrients, such as fiber, Protein, and Vitamin K.
They are also known for their medicinal uses. From their high antioxidant content to their punicic acid, pomegranates are chock full of useful biological compounds.
In general, pomegranates are known to reduce inflammation, prevent some types of cancer, lower blood pressure, fight arthritis, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Not only do the pomegranate seeds possess these powers, but the juice of a pomegranate seems to also boast some of these benefits.
How to Prepare Pomegranates
Their tricky appearance can be a bit misleading for some, leading them to wonder just how they are supposed to prepare this fruit.
For simplicity, you can cut this fruit in half and scoop out the seeds within to eat raw. The inner seeds of a pomegranate can also be used in recipes. Salads, fruit mixes, and desserts are places where pomegranate ingredients can commonly be found in cooking environments.
Though they are a bit tougher to open and access the fruit within, the seeds of the pomegranate are easily transportable as a snack and work well as a snack for children. Part of what makes the pomegranate fruit so charming is its versatility for use in many ways.
From finding them at the right location in season at a good price to preparing them in hopes to reap the health benefits they offer; we must say that including pomegranates in your daily diet is worth the effort.
Delicious and healthy, buying pomegranates pays off in a big way.
References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/pomegranate-benefits/articleshow/60114168.cms
[2] https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pomegranate.html
[3] https://www.bonappetit.com/columns/in-season-now/slideshow/buy-store-cook-pomegranate
[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate
To perform a pomegranate ripeness test, gently press on the outside of the fruit. If the fruit feels heavy and the skin is firm and taut, it is likely ripe. You can also check the color of the fruit, which should be a deep, vibrant red.