Pomegranates are highly touted for their nutrients and antioxidants. Making your own fresh homemade pomegranate juice is easy and the flavor is amazing. One medium-size pomegranate will yield approximately half a cup of juice.
In the fall and winter, pomegranates are frequently on sale for as little as .25 each! First, cut the crown of the pomegranate off. The Crown is the top (kind of fuzzy-looking) point. Gently score the skin of the pomegranate in quarters, then press your thumb into the white core membrane, gently pulling the sections apart (much like an orange).
Next, invert each section over a bowl to collect the seeds as they pop out of the membrane. Once all of the seeds have been separated from the membrane and skin, place them in a Ziploc bag and seal it. Gently mash the pomegranate pieces together, thereby “juicing” them without crushing the seeds themselves (which can impart a bitterness to the juice).
Strain the juice with a cheesecloth or fine sieve to remove any pulp. If you so desire you can add sugar to sweeten. The nutritive qualities of the juice are highest when consumed right away. Use within 48 hours.
Simply Sweet Pomegranate Syrup
You’ll Need:
1 1/2 c. Water
1 1/2 c. Sugar
3/4 c. Pomegranate Juice
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and boil gently for 5 minutes (uncovered), until the syrup is reduced to about 2 cups.
Add the Pomegranate juice, stirring to incorporate. Remove from heat, cool. Store the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The syrup makes a lovely addition to cocktails, drizzled over cake or ice cream, or as an added kick to salad dressings.
Pomegranate juice has been shown in studies to offer significant health benefits including Lung Cancer prevention, fights breast cancer, slows prostate cancers, stabilizes PSA levels, protects the neonatal brain, prevention of osteoarthritis, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and is a natural plaque preventer in dental care.
Source:
American Society of Nephrology (2010, November 19). Pomegranate juice reduces damage to tissues, inflammation, and infections, a study suggests. ScienceDaily
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / lidante
thanks, sounds so good. i’ll use my juicer and make it easier.