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#Post#: 1018--------------------------------------------------
Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 3:55 pm
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POMEGRANATE
Punica granatum L.
Punicaceae
Common Names: Pomegranate, Granada (Spanish), Grenade (French).
Related Species: Punica proto-punica.
Origin: The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in
northern India and was cultivated and naturalized over the whole
Mediterranean region since ancient times. It is widely
cultivated throughout India and the drier parts of southeast
Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. The tree was
introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. In this
country it is grown for its fruits mainly in the drier parts of
California and Arizona.
Adaptation: Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid mild-temperate to
subtropical climate and are naturally adapted to regions with
cool winters and hot summers. A humid climate adversely affects
the formation of fruit. The tree can be severely injured by
temperatures below 12° F. In the U. S. pomegranates can be grown
outside as far north as southern Utah and Washington, D.C. but
seldom set fruit in these areas. The tree adapts well to
container culture and will sometimes fruit in a greenhouse.
DESCRIPTION
Growth Habits: The pomegranate is a neat, rounded shrub or small
tree that can grow to 20 or 30 ft., but more typically to 12 to
16 ft. in height. Dwarf varieties are also known. It is usually
deciduous, but in certain areas the leaves will persist on the
tree. The trunk is covered by a red-brown bark which later
becomes gray. The branches are stiff, angular and often spiny.
There is a strong tendency to sucker from the base. Pomegranates
are also long-lived. There are specimens in Europe that are
known to be over 200 years of age. The vigor of a pomegranate
declines after about 15 years, however.
Foliage: The pomegranate has glossy, leathery leaves that are
narrow and lance-shaped.
Flowers: The attractive scarlet, white or variegated flowers are
over an inch across and have 5 to 8 crumpled petals and a red,
fleshy, tubular calyx which persists on the fruit. The flowers
may be solitary or grouped in twos and threes at the ends of the
branches. The pomegranate is self-pollinated as well as
cross-pollinated by insects. Cross-pollination increases the
fruit set. Wind pollination is insignificant.
Fruit: The nearly round, 2-1/2 to 5 in. wide fruit is crowned at
the base by the prominent calyx. The tough, leathery skin or
rind is typically yellow overlaid with light or deep pink or
rich red. The interior is separated by membranous walls and
white, spongy, bitter tissue into compartments packed with sacs
filled with sweetly acid, juicy, red, pink or whitish pulp or
aril. In each sac there is one angular, soft or hard seed. High
temperatures are essential during the fruiting period to get the
best flavor. The pomegranate may begin to bear in 1 year after
planting out, but 2-1/2 to 3 years is more common. Under
suitable conditions the fruit should mature some 5 to 7 months
after bloom.
CULTURE
Location: Pomegranates should be placed in the sunniest, warmest
part of the yard or orchard for the best fruit, although they
will grow and flower in part shade. The attractive foliage,
flowers and fruits of the pomegranate, as well as its smallish
size make it a excellent landscaping plant.
Soil: The pomegranate does best in well-drained ordinary soil,
but also thrives on calcareous or acidic loam as well as rock
strewn gravel.
Irrigation: Once established, pomegranates can take considerable
drought, but for good fruit production they must be irrigated.
To establish new plants they should be watered every 2 to 4
weeks during the dry season. The plants are tolerant of
moderately saline water and soil conditions.
Fertilizing: In the West, the trees are given 2 to 4-ounce
applications of ammonium sulfate or other nitrogen fertilizer
the first two springs. After that very little fertilizer is
needed, although the plants respond to an annual mulch of rotted
manure or other compost.
Pruning: Plants should be cut back when they are about 2 ft.
high. From this point allow 4 or 5 shoots to develop, which
should be evenly distributed around the stem to keep the plant
well balanced. These should start about 1 ft. from the ground,
giving a short but well-defined trunk. Any shoots which appear
above or below should be removed as should any suckers. Since
the fruits are borne only at the tips of new growth, it is
recommended that for the first 3 years the branches be
judiciously shortened annually to encourage the maximum number
of new shoots on all sides, prevent straggly development and
achieve a strong well framed plant. After the 3rd year, only
suckers and dead branches are removed.
Propagation: The pomegranate can be raised from seed but may not
come true. Cuttings root easily and plants from them bear fruit
after about 3 years. Twelve to 20 inches long cuttings should be
taken in winter from mature, one-year old wood. The leaves
should be removed and the cuttings treated with rooting hormone
and inserted about two-thirds their length into the soil or into
some other warm rooting medium. Plants can also be air-layered
but grafting is seldom successful.
Pests and Diseases: Pomegranates are relatively free of most
pests and diseases. Minor problems are leaf and fruit spot and
foliar damage by white flies, thrips, mealybugs and scale
insects. The roots are seldom bothered by gophers but deer will
browse on the foliage.
Harvest: The fruits are ripe when they have developed a
distinctive color and make a metallic sound when tapped. The
fruits must be picked before over maturity when they tend to
crack open, particularly when rained on. The pomegranate is
equal to the apple in having a long storage life. It is best
maintained at a temperature of 32° to 41° F. and can be kept for
a period of 7 months within this temperature range and at 80 to
85% relative humidity without shrinking or spoiling. The fruits
improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful.
The fruit can be eaten out of hand by deeply scoring several
times vertically and then breaking it apart. The clusters of
juice sacs are then lifted out and eaten. The sacs also make an
attractive garnish when sprinkled on various dishes. Pomegranate
fruits are most often consumed as juice and can be juiced is
several ways. The sacs can be removed and put through a basket
press or the juice can be extracted by reaming the halved fruits
on an ordinary orange juice squeezer. Another approach starts
with warming the fruit slightly and rolling it between the hands
to soften the interior. A hole is then cut in the stem end which
is placed on a glass to let the juice run out, squeezing the
fruit from time to time to get all the juice. The juice can be
used in a variety of of ways: as a fresh juice, to make jellies,
sorbets or cold or hot sauces as well as to flavor cakes, baked
apples, etc. Pomegranate syrup is sold commercially as
grenadine. The juice can also be made into a wine.
Commercial Potential: The primary commercial growing regions of
the world are the Near East, India and surrounding countries and
southern Europe. In California commercial cultivation is
centered in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Consumer demand in
this country is not great. More pomegranate fruits probably wind
up as decorations in fruit bowls than are consumed.
#Post#: 1019--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 3:59 pm
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Pomegranate is a tree. Various parts of the tree and fruit are
used to make medicine.
Pomegranate is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn’t
enough scientific evidence to rate pomegranate as effective for
any of them. We do know, though, that pomegranate does not seem
to be effective for reducing the symptoms of chronic obstructive
lung disease (COPD) or improving breathing in people with this
condition.
Pomegranate is used for conditions of the heart and blood
vessels, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure
(CHF), heart attack, “hardening of the arteries”
(atherosclerosis), and high cholesterol. It is also used for
conditions of the digestive tract, including diarrhea,
dysentery, and tapeworm and other intestinal parasites.
Some people use pomegranate for flu, swelling of the lining of
the mouth (stomatitis), gum disease, erectile dysfunction (ED),
diabetes and a complication called acidosis, bleeding, and HIV
disease. It is also used for preventing prostate cancer,
obesity, and weight loss. Some women use pomegranate to cause an
abortion.
Pomegranate is used as a gargle for sore throat, and it is
applied to the skin to treat hemorrhoids.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is unique among plants. The only
other plant that is closely related is a small tree that grows
only on an island in Yemen.
Pomegranate has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide
variety of diseases. It is in Greek, Hebrew, Buddhist, Islamic,
and Christian mythology and writings. It is described in records
dating from around 1500 BC as a treatment for tapeworm and other
parasites.
Many cultures use pomegranate as a folk medicine. Pomegranate is
native to Iran. It is primarily cultivated in Mediterranean
counties, parts of the United States, Afghanistan, Russia,
India, China, and Japan. You’ll see pomegranate in some royal
and medical coats of arms.
How does it work?
Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have
antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that
chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight
cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these
effects when people drink the juice.
POMEGRANATE Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Ineffective for:Chronic lung disease (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Drinking pomegranate juice
does not seem to improve symptoms or breathing in people with
COPD.
Insufficient Evidence for:High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
Some studies show pomegranate seems to lower total cholesterol
and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. But other studies find no
benefit.High blood pressure (hypertension). One research study
suggests that drinking 50 mL of pomegranate juice daily for up
to 1 year can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by
5% to 21%. But drinking pomegranate juice doesn’t seem to affect
diastolic pressure (the lower number). However, other research
shows no effect on blood pressure when study subjects drink 240
mL of pomegranate juice daily for 3 months. Additional research
is needed to sort this out.“Hardening of the arteries”
(atherosclerosis). Preliminary evidence suggests drinking
pomegranate juice might help to keep the arteries in the neck
(carotid arteries) clear of the build-up of fatty deposits.Gum
disease. There is some evidence that painting the gum with
pomegranate fruit peel extract in combination with gotu kola
extract might improve gum disease.Prostate cancer. Early
research findings suggest that drinking pomegranate juice might
slow the progress of prostate cancer.Heart disease. Some
preliminary research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might
improve blood flow to the heart. But drinking pomegranate juice
does not seem to prevent narrowing of blood vessels in the heart
(stenosis). Also, there isn’t enough information to know if
drinking pomegranate juice helps to prevent heart
disease-related events such as heart attack.Intestinal worm
infestations.Obesity and weight loss.Fungal mouth
infections.Diarrhea.Dysentery.Sore throat.Hemorrhoids.Menopausal
symptoms.Other conditions.More evidence is needed to rate
pomegranate for these uses.
POMEGRANATE Side Effects & SafetyPomegranate juice is LIKELY
SAFE for most people. Most people do not experience side
effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate
fruit.
When applied to the skin or gum, pomegranate is rated POSSIBLY
SAFE. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate
including itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty
breathing.
Pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the root and stems are taken
by mouth. The root contains a poison.
Special Precautions & Warnings:Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Pomegranate juice is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and
breast-feeding women. But it is not known if other forms of
pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract, are safe. If you use
pomegranate, stick with the juice during pregnancy or
breast-feeding. Check with your healthcare provider first.
Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more
likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.
Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might
interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery.
Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled
surgery.
POMEGRANATE Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this
combinationMedications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6
(CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with POMEGRANATE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down
some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications
that are changed by the liver can increase the effects and side
effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate talk to
your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are
changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include
amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin),
flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron
(Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts
with POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate juice seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking
pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure
might cause your blood pressure to be too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril
(Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril),
ramipril (Altace), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
interacts with POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking pomegranate
along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your
blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril
(Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan
(Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc),
hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many
others.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interacts with POMEGRANATE
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is broken down by the body in the liver.
Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the liver
breaks down rosuvastatin (Crestor). This might increase the
effects and side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Minor Interaction Be watchful with this combinationMedications
changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
interacts with POMEGRANATE
There has been some concern that drinking pomegranate juice
might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some
medications. However, scientific research shows that drinking
pomegranate juice probably does not cause an important
interaction with medications. Until more is known, talk to your
healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are
changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include amlodipine
(Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Verelan, Calan,
others), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir
(Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl
(Sublimaze), midazolam (Versed), ondansetron (Zofran),
propranolol (Inderal), and many others.
POMEGRANATE DosingThe appropriate dose of pomegranate depends on
several factors such as the user's age, health, and several
other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific
information to determine an appropriate range of doses for
pomegranate. Keep in mind that natural products are not always
necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow
relevant directions on product labels and consult your
pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before
using.
#Post#: 1020--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 4:01 pm
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Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
Print OptionsPrint (no photos)Print (with photos)
Cook time: 1 hourAdd to shopping listIngredients
4 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
Method
In a large, uncovered saucepan, heat pomegranate juice, sugar,
and lemon juice on medium high until the sugar has dissolved and
the juice simmers. Reduce heat just enough to maintain a simmer.
Simmer for about an hour, or until the juice has a syrupy
consistency, and has reduced to 1 to 1 1/4 cups. Pour out into a
jar. Let cool. Store chilled in the refrigerator.
If you want your pomegranate molasses to be sweeter, add more
sugar to taste, while you are cooking it.
#Post#: 1021--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 4:03 pm
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Raspberry Pomegranate Urfa-Biber Brownies
6 1/2 oz bittersweet chocolate
6 tbsp butter
1 C granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tbsp raspberry liquor
1 tsp pomegranate molasses
1 1/2 tbsp urfa-biber
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C all-purpose flour
Preheat your oven to 350º.
Combine the chocolate, butter, and sugar in a double boiler
until about 150º. Remove from heat, and stir in the urfa-biber,
raspberry liquor, pomegranate molasses and salt. Stir in the
eggs one at a time. Stir in the flour, and beat with a wooden
spoon or rubber spatula for a minute or two, until thick and
glossy.
Butter and flour a 9″ square baking pan. Pour in the
batter.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Cool, cut into squares, and eat.
#Post#: 1022--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 4:11 pm
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Pomegranates are a superfruit – high in antioxidants, Vitamin C
and fiber. This easy Moroccan recipe combines the juice from
naturally sweet pomegranate seeds with lemon juice and orange
flower water.
Serves 2.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutesIngredients:
•4 pomegranates
•2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
•2 teaspoons orange flower water (optional)
Preparation:
Seed the pomegranates. Wash the seeds, and then pass them
through a juicer or food mill.
Strain the juice if desired. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and
orange flower water. Serve immediately over ice.
#Post#: 1025--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pomegrante!!
DIR By: Hummingbird
Date: September 15, 2012, 4:16 pm
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Pomegranate jelly makes the perfect spread for breads, breakfast
foods, and other foods. This pomegranate jelly recipe is
foolproof!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutesIngredients:
•3 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
•7 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
•juice from 2 large lemons
•6 oz. liquid pectin
•sterilized jars
Preparation:
In a large non-stick saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, sugar,
and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
Add pectin and stir constantly.
Bring to a second boil for about 1 minute or until a foam forms
at the top.
Skim foam off top with spoon and remove from heat.
With a ladle, fill jars 3/4 full.
Seal and finish by using a water-canner for 7 minutes.
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