Pomegranates belong to the group of foods richest in vitamin C, water, fiber, minerals, fructose and antioxidants, making them boast the name of anti-cancer fruits. The anti-cancer activity is said to be attributable to ellagic acid, which is hypothesized to enhance the process of cancer cell destruction; in fact, the p53 protein contained in the fruit can slow down or even suppress nascent cancer cells. Being rather complicated to peel, it is preferred to extract and drink the juice. The pomegranate fruit provides no cholesterol, lactose or gluten, and is a source of minerals including potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and iron. The presence of fiber also helps prevent and treat constipation, as well as modulate fat absorption, improving the sense of fullness.
PROPERTIESÀ OF POMEGRANATE
Astringent properties: the tannins contained in high amounts in pomegranate fruit are useful in cases of bleeding. Antidiarrheal properties: the decoction obtained from the dried rinds of pomegranates is excellent for combating diarrhea. Let us also not forget to mention the vermifuge and antioxidant properties of the oil obtained from pomegranate seeds, and the antithrombotic and antiallergic properties due to the presence of flavonoids.
CURIOSITÀ
Legend has it that the pomegranate was a prodigy of Mother Nature: so many ancient peoples such as the Greeks, Babylonians and Hebrews considered it a true miracle, an earthly testimony of higher entities. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, evaluated the pomegranate during his studies, praising its healing virtues. Despite their fragile appearance, they conceal a concentrated red, juicy pulp inside, in which are immersed numerous seeds, similar to small red diamonds. Let us discover together the most famous varieties:
POMEGRANATE VARIETY WONDERFUL
Deep and uniform red in color, its rind is of medium thickness, characterized by a rounded shape with an elongated crown. The flavor of pomegranates belonging to this variety is the characteristic one tending toward sweet and sour, and its seeds are almost insubstantial to the palate. Excellent for fresh consumption or for processing into juices, the fruits of the Wonderful variety are among the most appreciated and famous in the world. Their harvest period is from mid-October to mid-November, with a long storage period of 30 to 40 days.
HORSETOOTH VARIETY POMEGRANATE
The fruits of the Pomegranate plant are medium sized and have a beautiful bloom and are sweeter than the Wonderful; the kernels, however, are pinkish in color.
POMEGRANATE VARIETY AKO
A very vigorous plant, its fruits are dark red both outside and inside, and their flavor is very sweet, with a fairly balanced degree of acidity.
POMEGRANATE VARIETY MAXIMA RUBRA
With large red flowers, this variety is used for ornamental use only, as its fruits are not edible.
POMEGRANATE VARIETY LALLEGREI
Also an ornamental shrub due to the inedibility of its fruit, it features beautiful creamy white and orange flowers.
POMEGRANATE DWARF VARIETY
This variety is characterized by the presence of many fruits used as decoration, and the shrub can reach a height of as much as 80 cm.
POMEGRANATE VARIETY MOLLAR DEL ELCHÈ
With a sweet-and-sour flavor and medium-sized fruits, this variety has light red fruits tinged with yellow, and is characterized by beautiful flowering in the summer months between July and September.
POMEGRANATE PURPLE VARIETY
With a distinctive purplish coloring on the outside, its seeds are small and red, while the flavor is very sweet and has low acidity.
