Tropical Pomegranate Green Salad

Pomegranate: from the Latin pomum ("apple") and granatus ("seeded")

A re-post from my old blog:

Pomegranates are available only in the winter months (at least here in the northern hemisphere), and they’re already appearing in stores. This jewel of fruits has recently been hailed as a ‘superfood’ that both tastes good and is good for you. In addition to minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron, pomegranates are excellent sources of the phytonutrients that protect us against cancer, diabetes and arthritis. New research points to their anti-aging benefits, as these exotic gems can neutralize twice as many free radicals as red wine, and seven times as many as green tea. Plus, pomegranate seeds can help flush fat from the digestive tract.

The easiest way to prepare a pomegranate is to cut off the top and bottom crown with a paring knife. Then, cut the body into sections, and place the sections in a small bowl of fresh water. Use your fingers to pop out the little juicy seeds into the water. Discard all the white pulpy bits (once the juice sacs are removed, the smaller pulp pieces will float to the top). Then, strain the water and your pomegranate seeds are ready for eating!

If you really love pomegranates and want to enjoy them beyond February, you can look for pomegranate juice, or buy whole pomegranates now and freeze the seeds (they freeze well).

Tropical Pomegranate Green Salad

• 1 ruby red grapefruit, peeled and cut into small sections
• 2 medium papayas, peeled, seeded and sliced
• 4 small kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
• 1 pomegranate, seeded
• 1 head romaine lettuce, cut into pieces or mixed greens
• 1 1/2 t apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 t red pepper flakes
• black pepper, to taste

i.  Combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a small bottle and shake until well blended.

ii.  Toss the romaine or other greens with the dressing.

iii.  Arrange the greens on a platter. Place slices of grapefruit, papaya and kiwi over the greens. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate fruit, opened

Health Benefits:

Pomegranates: Not just beautiful, they are one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat. They are very high in tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid, all powerful antioxidants. This credits them with helping to prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Papayas: These are great sources of Vitamin C – each one has over 300% of your recommended daily value. They are also high in anti-oxidants, B vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Grapefruit: Another Vitamin C winner, with lots of evidence to prove this fruits cold-fighting abilities. Ruby Red and pink varieties are also high in lycopene, which has been linked to anti-tumor activity. Lycopene rich foods can help in the prevention of prostate cancer in particular.

Tags: pomegranate, recipe, salad