Pomegranates

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Westlake Weekly Update 10.27.21

Featured Item: Pomegranates

Pomegranates are an ancient fruit with plenty of references in history. Since it is less than a week away from Halloween, I will tell the dark, sordid story of the pomegranate.  In Ancient Greek mythology,  Persephone, daughter of Demeter, Goddess of harvest and agriculture, was kidnapped by Hades, God of the underworld.  He fell in love with her at first sight and carried her off to his kingdom, the underworld. 

Her mother, Demeter, mad with sorrow, hunted everywhere for Persephone, going as far as to disguise herself as an old lady with a lighted torch in her hands. She roamed the Earth for ninety days looking for her daughter Persephone.

Finally, the sun God Helios, took pity on Demeter and told her that Hades had carried Persephone off to his underworld. Demeter found Hades, and they struck a bargain; Persephone would live four months on Earth, with the living and eight months in the underworld. 

Before being set free from the underworld, Persephone was persuaded to eat six pomegranate seeds.  In ancient mythology, to eat the fruit of one’s captor meant that one would have to return to that captor to make sure she returned to the underworld when her time on Earth was up. That’s Hades hedging his bets!

But let’s leave the talk of abduction and the underworld behind.  Instead let’s focus on all the wonderful things about pomegranates. Frankly the worst thing that will actually happen to you while you eat a pomegranate is that you might stain your new white shirt.

Pomegranates are the superfruits of superfruit!   They’re high in phytochemicals and antioxidants such as flavonols — and the anthocyanins that give them their pigment. Research has found that the pomegranate has an antioxidant potential even more significant than that found in red wine or green tea, two other foods renowned for their superfood status.

These colorful fruits also contain several important vitamins and minerals. For instance, they’re a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K1, potassium, and folate. In addition, one medium-sized pomegranate offers around 11 grams of fiber. And if you wondered whether fruits have protein, a pomegranate contains a whopping five grams. Not bad for a fruit that’s also 82% water!

With all these amazing health benefits, it’s no wonder the pomegranate wears a crown.  Grown primarily in California, they are in season now. Unlike Persephone, you can eat to your heart’s desire!  Don’t worry about the underworld, but do worry about staining your hands!

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