As with many ancient fruits, there were many beliefs about its medical value.  Mohammed is said once to have told his followers, "eat the pomegranate, for it purges the system of envy and hatred."  In China and India the Pomegranates and their seeds symbolize fertility.

Pomegranates are about the size of an apple, but with hard, inedible rind that is symmetrical but not round. The fruit consists of many seeds, surrounded by a bright crimson coating that is edible, pulpy and tart.

Pomegranates are eaten fresh, and the pulp is made into jellies and grenadine syrup which is used as a flavoring in cocktails, preserves and baking (grenadine is also made from red currants). When eaten raw, discard the seeds eating only the pulp surrounding them. Halve and serve with a spoon. The juice may be frozen into a sherbet; halve and squeeze as for oranges.

Yield    1 pomegranate = 1 serving
             3 pomegranates = about 1 pound
             4 pomegranates = 1 cup of juice

Nutrition:  1 pomegranate = about 100 calories