Pomegranates are of my favourite fruit! You can turn them into refreshing juices or make tasty jams with their unique, tangy-sweet flavour. But here’s the kicker: pomegranates are also the ultimate convenient snack, requiring no prep at all. I personally love to incorporate them into fruit salads!

Keep on reading for my favourite way to incorporate pomegranate in a salad!

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Table of Content

· Health benefits
· Longevity
· Pomegranate around the world
· Pomegranate salad recipe
· A little story

Health benefits

Pomegranates are a rich source of vitamins, most notably vitamin C. Just a single pomegranate can provide up to 40% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system, skin health, and wound healing. They also contain vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health, and folate, a B vitamin important for DNA synthesis and cell division.

When it comes to dietary fibre, pomegranates are an excellent source, with both the seeds and the pulp providing this essential nutrient. Fibre is important for digestive health as it promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. It also aids in maintaining a healthy weight by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing overall calorie consumption, and stabilising blood sugar levels.

Longevity

While pomegranates can be a healthy addition to your diet, their direct impact on human longevity is still a subject of ongoing research, and a balanced diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise and stress management, remain crucial factors for promoting a longer and healthier life.

As mentioned above, these benefits include their ability to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, and possibly protect against age-related cognitive decline and certain types of cancer.

Pomegranate around the world

• In Turkey, pomegranate molasses adds a tangy kick to a popular sauce called muhammara, as well as a mixed salad called kisir.
• Japanese cuisine incorporates pomegranate seeds as a garnish for sushi, providing a burst of sweet and tart flavour. Pomegranate juice is also gaining popularity as a healthy beverage.
• In Spain, pomegranates are used to make a refreshing drink called zumo de granada. Pomegranate seeds are added to salads, and pomegranate molasses is used as a condiment in various dishes.
• Moroccan cuisine features pomegranate seeds in various tagine dishes, where they provide a burst of freshness and colour. Pomegranate juice is also a key ingredient in some traditional sauces.

Pomegranate salad recipe

You will need

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted and chopped almonds or walnuts

And for the dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

It’s very straightforward and easy! Cook the quinoa in water or vegetable broth, then let it cool.

In the meantime, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Now chop your other ingredients.

Once the quinoa is cooled, put it in a large bowl together with the pomegranate seeds, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well. Sprinkle with almonds and/or walnuts for extra crunch.

Your refreshing pomegranate salad is ready! Do let me know how you like it!

A little story

In the ancient realm of Greek mythology, the Goddess of love, Aphrodite, emerged from the seafoam near the shores of Cyprus. In gratitude to the island that welcomed her, she planted a pomegranate tree in its fertile soil. As the tree flourished, it bore vibrant red fruit, becoming a symbol of Aphrodite’s divine presence and her connection to love and beauty. This myth intertwined the pomegranate with the goddess’s essence, and it became a cherished emblem of fertility and passion. Even today, pomegranates are often used as decorative elements in weddings and celebrations, symbolising love, fertility, and prosperity.

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