Dried pomegranate: properties and uses

Dried pomegranate is a recent discovery in the field of cooking. Dried pomegranate seeds are widely used in Northern India, they are used as a seasoning and give the dishes a spicy pleasant aftertaste.Pomegranate peels are also used for drying, in some cases they are even more useful than seeds, since they contain a greater amount of flavonoids, phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins.

Usually pomegranate is called a fruit, however, it is scientifically proven that it is a berry. Nevertheless, pomegranate as a fruit is more understandable, so people still call it fruit. Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of pomegranate since childhood. It is full of various vitamins and minerals, has a juicy flesh, and from it you can get a healthy refreshing juice.

Despite the great benefit of this plant, it does not enjoy particular popularity, since not all fruit lovers like to pick seeds. Meanwhile, for example, in India, seeds are considered the most valuable component of pomegranate. In the northern part of this country, pomegranate seeds are dried and added as a spice to vegetable dishes.

Sweet-sour, slightly knitting seasoning perfectly complements spicy recipes, various sauces, meat, gives a cooling tinge to taste. In the preparation of grains, they are dried in the sun for a week, after which the seeds become more saturated color, and the flesh shrivels. Then the stones are fried, ground to a state of powder and the product is ready for use. The name of the spice from dried seeds is anardana.

If the seeds of this fruit-berry, used in the basis of seasoning, can somehow be visually presented as a decoration of the dish, then dried pomegranate peels, which can also be eaten, will cause many bewilderment. Usually dense, dry skin of the fruit is considered useless. It only complicates the process of purification, and meanwhile and in this element contains a lot of benefits. Therefore, do not rush to throw away the peels of a peeled pomegranate. First you need to study their properties.

Pomegranate grains and crusts contain vitamins C, B6, B12, P, calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron and other trace elements, phytoncides, tannins, chloride salts. The benefits of pomegranate are as follows:

• effectively eliminates thirst;
• provides the formation of red blood cells;
• increases hemoglobin;
• strengthens the immune system;
• possesses hemostatic properties;
• has a positive effect on the nervous system;
• improves blood formation.

There is an opinion that children, in the menu of which grenades are regularly included, are more savvy than their peers. For the elderly, this fruit is also useful. Doctors recommend bringing grenades to patients who have undergone surgery. This fruit contains Ellagotanin, which is the prevention of breast cancer. Vitamin B12, contained in the composition of the plant, contributes to good male potency. Infusion of dried skins strengthens the body of a man, fills it with energy and tone.

Dried skin is suitable for the treatment of indigestion, and is also an excellent tool for combating parasites, can be used for healing wounds and anemia.

Despite the benefits that pomegranate brings in any state of the human body, there are also contraindications for its administration, such as:

• allergy;
• pancreatitis;
• increased gastric acidity;
• diseases of the mouth;
• ulcers, constipation, gastritis;
• individual intolerance.

Pomegranate can rightly be called a universal remedy for a variety of ailments. From it you can make spices, seasonings, juices, infusions, use as a mask for the face and hair, apply as compresses. Pomegranate shell can even act as a material for handicrafts.

The main use of pomegranate seeds is the preparation of seasonings for vegetable, bean and meat dishes. In the East, this spice is not exotic, but in Russia this product is not very popular yet. Although it is precisely in the season of kebabs that such a spice will be quite appropriate. It can be added to the marinade, in salad dressings, prepare sauces for grilled meat or poultry, sprinkled with vegetable dishes.

Not so long ago, another novelty appeared in Russia - pomegranate salt. This seasoning is made by mixing pomegranate, garlic, nutmeg, ginger and other Caucasian spices. It is perfect for improving the taste and aroma of meat dishes, rice, salads, baked vegetables.

To prepare an exotic spice, you can use the following steps:

• you must carefully collect all the pomegranate bones;
• to distribute the grains on the baking sheet so that they do not touch each other;
• put for some time in the oven, preheated to no more than +40 degrees;
• Oven dried seeds crushed into powder, using a coffee grinder.

Pomegranate powder can also be obtained by drying the peel. In addition, the skin of the fruit is suitable for the preparation of medicinal decoctions and infusions that help to overcome inflammatory diseases, colds, facilitate breathing. Pomegranate peels can be used for the treatment of diarrhea, for bleeding, for healing wounds and abrasions.

The peel is an effective remedy for burns, acne, because of the crusts are high-quality masks for the skin. Another property of the pomegranate shell is the ability to rid the body of worms.

To dry the pomegranate, the following steps are required:

• rinse the skin thoroughly and wipe with a paper towel;
• remove the white part from the crusts;
• dry the peel - this can be done naturally or use the oven;
• Store dried product in a dark glass container or paper bag;
• if you need powder, you can grind the peel in a coffee grinder.

To prepare a universal pomegranate infusion, you need to perform the following steps:

• 10–12 dried crusts pour 200 ml boiling water;
• close the lid and insist half an hour.

It should take about half of the resulting broth per day. This recipe has a beneficial effect in the treatment of diseases such as dysentery, salmonellosis, appendicitis, colds. Thus, having bought a sour pomegranate on the market, you should not hurry to throw it away - it is recommended to collect stones and try to prepare an exclusive seasoning that will refresh and decorate any dish. In turn, infusions of dried pomegranate crusts will provide the whole family with health for a long time.

On the beneficial properties of pomegranate, see the following video.