Pomegranate: Seasons, Recipes, Health Benefits

Growing pomegranates does not need strenuous efforts. Just simply set it fully to direct sunlight with well-drained soil, then you’re good to go. Pomegranate grows in bushes around 7 to 8 in an area — great even for dry seasons as it is drought-tolerant. Although newly planted they bear fruits a little longer, approximately ranging from 3 to 5 years.

Using the fruit’s seed is also great for growing it, as the seed itself is easily sprouting and can be kept in a seedling process indoors.

But these days, many seeds are being processed and cultivated, especially the ones sold at the stores. So, it is best to propagate planting from cutting to its own plant’s offspring to ensure the right pomegranate fruit.

 So, if you are looking for growing pomegranates in your backyard, and wondering when are pomegranates’ seasons, read further for more details.

What is the best season to seed pomegranates in the USA?

Start the indoor seedling process during the mid-winter, for it to give time to germinate and be ready to be planted in the spring seasons. Letting your seed sprout first before planting in zones is better for ensuring growth. 

What is the best season to buy pomegranates in the USA?

Basically, the pomegranates are available in the US market from October to January. Only the California state produces more than 70% of pomegranates in the USA.

Tips for Growing Pomegranates

Simply take a seed and rinse it well and wipe it with a disposable handkerchief to take off the mush. And let it sit and dry for a few days to avoid decomposing. And once dried, start planting ¼ in deep in potting soil.

Place the receptacle containing the seedling near the window where sunlight can pass through and keep the soil moist for germinating. However, in mid-winter occurrence, it is needed to keep it warm by covering the pot with transparent plastic until it sprouts. Eventually, start planting once the cold season ends.

Marcotting is highly suggested when it’s the rainy season—also from November to December. The planting season varies depending on which country you are located in, for tropical regions- (July to August) and February to March during the spring seasons.

Giving a spacing from 5 to 6 meters is important to guarantee exposure to sunlight. And these also give an abundant yielding compared to close spacing. Mostly, farmers are following distant planting, as the closer the pomegranates plants are, the more it is vulnerable to plant deceased and pest occurrence.

Outstanding Pomegranate recipes

Aside from being a fruit itself, pomegranates are also used for recipes. Here are some cited recipes you could try at home:

  • Perfect Pomegranate salad. A different leafy vegies and other fruits with your kind of choice dressing.
  • Brussels sprout salad with pomegranates. This extraordinary salad perfectly contrasts with the taste of the pomegranate.
  • Rustic apple tart. A desert that is garnished with pomegranates seed makes it more enticing and dashing.
  • Pomegranate smoothie. A different way of taking pomegranate, this pick juice along with a few fruits gives a fruity flavor that will give an irresistible aura.

Pomegranate Health Benefits 

Pomegranate isn’t just an ordinary fruit—it has many health benefits that you don’t expect from the looks of it. Here are a few examples:

  • Abundant in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect our cells from any damage—specifically towards the free radicals that cause harmful chronic diseases.
  • Anti-cancer properties. As the study says, the fruit itself aids in killing cancer cells. It shows that it fights inflammation as it slows the growth of cancer cells.
  • Good for the heart. The compound of pomegranates helps reduce blood pressure, which fights plaque and mitigates heart attacks, strokes, and any chest pain.
  • Assist in urinary health. The pomegranates minimize any form of kidney stones. It helps regulate the concentration of oxalates, calcium, and phosphate which are frequently constituents of kidney stones.