What you didn't know about the Pomegranate

A while ago I was at the Concord Museum teaching a class on vegetable and fruit carving for the Concord Garden Club, at that class one of the members shared a unique method of removing the seeds from a pomegranate, it was very enlightening and with today’s interest in healthy ingredients timely as well. This is not the exact method demonstrated, but it is close and leaves a clean work area.

1. Cut off the stem end of the pomegranate.

2. Score the skin in several places.

3. Working over a large bowl filled halfway with cold water, use your fingers to pull apart the pomegranate.

4. Pry away the seeds from the peel and the membrane. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl; the pieces of membrane will float on top.

5. When you are finished, use a strainer or a small sieve to scoop up the pieces of membrane.

6. Drain the seeds in a sieve or a colander and pat dry with a paper towel. Eat the seeds out of hand or use them in drinks, jellies, or salads.

When I was back at my office I did some additional research and was surprised at one of the historical references to this ageless fruit which by the way dates back to ancient times and is referenced as one of the oldest Semitic symbols of life and marriage. Often in ancient temples there are carvings of pomegranates and their relationship with a fruitful marriage and the blessing of many children.

Then came the most interesting and surprising reference THIS IS MY BIG DID YOU KNOW?

The French around 1791 developed the munitions’ shell that explodes on impact and strews metal fragments over a wide area (today called shrapnel). They named the shell after the pomegranate, and called it a grenade named for the seed spreading attributes of the fruit, and the regiments of men who launched these weapons were called grenadiers. It is amazing how so sweet a gift could be the namesake of such a terrible weapon. I guess that’s life.

Comments

[sbo]

Thanks for your information A good article and interesting.