Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

A Closer Look at the Pomegranate

By Hillary Denning

The Pomegranate is a native fruit tree that grows in Iran all the way to the Himalayas. It only grows to be about five to eight meters high. It has been naturalized in the whole Mediterranean area. You can find it in Iraq, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, South East Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, the East Indies and Africa. You can also find it growing in parts of Arizona, Florida and California too.

This fruit bush grows best in subtropical climates with cool winters and hot summers. The Pomegranate that are grown in Florida seem to bear much tastier and colorful fruit if the winter has been a cold one for that area.

The fruit tree itself is not overwhelming. The leaves are oblong and green, nothing out of the ordinary. The flowers and the fruit on the original bushes develop in a beautiful bright red color. The fruit can get as large as a good sized grapefruit. The inside pulp is usually white surrounding the red fruit covered seeds.

You have to be careful that your pomegranate plants don't attract the pomegranate butterfly. This insect will lay its eggs on the flower buds, they will hatch and the caterpillars will enter the fruit and eat it from the inside. Whole crops have been lost to this pest. You will also want to watch for whitely, thrips, mealy bugs and scale insects. Termites can also infest the trunk. Putting plastic or paper bags over the fruit actually helps eliminate infestation of these insects. Always be sure to inspect the fruit for bruises, dents and tears as these can indicate a possible insect intruder.

The pomegranate can be probably be called one of the most perfect fruits. It contains so many vitamins and nutrients that it could actually be a healthy meal all by itself. From zinc and vitamin C to Potassium it contains at least well over seven different vitamins.

The outside of the pomegranate is usually a red color, the inside is usually white, and the fruit that covers the seeds is normally red or purple. You can eat the seeds with the fruit on them, take the fruit off and eat just that. The seeds, when ground up can be used as seasoning for several different types of dishes. They can also be used in salads, soups and main dishes. The juice of the pomegranate is also good to drink and excellent for cooking.

Over the years there have been many cross cultivations and varieties established. Some of the most popular are Balegal, Cloud, Crab, Early Wonderful, Fleshman, Francis, Granada, Green Globe, Home, King, Phoencia, Sweet and Wonderful. - 17274

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