The sacred fruit of Aphrodite: the pomegranate

The pomegranate is Persian in origin, but this wonderful fruit is already growing outside Asia in South America and southern Europe, and recently, due to climate change, pomegranate trees are becoming more and more common in Hungary. The inside of the fruit, which looks like an apple, contains hundreds of tiny edible seeds. Below we will take a closer look at the positive effects of this fruit on the human body.

Which one should I choose?

First of all, let's talk about buying pomegranates, because it makes a difference which pomegranate you choose. Fresh, healthy fruit always has a bright red skin and a hard, shiny surface. If you can find such specimens, it is worth buying several at a time, as they will keep for months in the fridge at a temperature of 2-4 degrees. Once you have bought the fruit, you might think that all that is left is to enjoy the heavenly flavours, but there is still one major task ahead of you and that is to peel the pomegranate. The method is not easy at first glance, but if you follow the following technique, you will certainly succeed: cut the fruit along the membranes and place it in a pan of cold water for a few minutes, leaving the seeds on the bottom of the pan and the skin on the surface.

The benefits of pomegranates

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the benefits of pomegranates, because you wouldn't believe the nutrients and vitamins and therefore the medicinal properties of this fruit, which is rich in fibre and minerals.

Of these, the antioxidant content is particularly notable, with three times the amount found in oranges, red wine or even blueberries. It reduces blood density and the tendency to form blood clots, thus reducing the risk of embolism and myocardial infarction, but regular consumption can also prevent atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Don't forget its high vitamin C and ellagic acid content.

Without being exhaustive, here are some of the diseases for which pomegranate consumption is particularly effective in the treatment and prevention:

Cholesterol-lowering;
Anti-inflammatory, mainly in the intestinal tract;
Reduces the development of tumours, especially skin cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer;
Good effects on cardiovascular diseases;
Inhibits the formation and division of cancer cells;
May have beneficial effects against depression or menopausal symptoms;
Effective in the prevention and treatment of candida infections.
Preparation tips

Below we look at what dishes you can make from this miracle fruit. To avoid going too far, the tiny edible seeds can be eaten simply on their own. But of course they can also be used in salads, casseroles, sauces and desserts.

Of course, KIOSK's autumn-winter range is not complete without this vitamin bomb, this time we recommend KIOSK's Superfood salad, which, in addition to pomegranate, is made with aniseed pumpkin, chickpeas, orange, walnuts and mustard vinaigrette for the perfect combination.

Other uses and points of interest

Pomegranate is not only good for eating, but also for applying to the skin: its seeds, mixed with a little honey, can be used to make a face pack which, in addition to soothing and nourishing the skin, also smoothes out the wrinkles.

And finally, some interesting facts about pomegranates: they are also known as the sacred fruit of Aphrodite, and their red colour and seeds make them a symbol of fertility, and in ancient Persia they symbolised invincibility. Because it is not attacked by pests, it is often considered a symbol of purity. Although grown mainly for its fruit and the abundance of seeds it contains, the juice and rind of its fruit have also been used for centuries as a dye for carpets.