Pomegranates

Pomegranates originated from the region between Iran and Northern India, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years.

Although most people associate the pomegranate with its mysterious shape and prized seeds, its bark, roots, and rind are also utilized in medicinal foods, home remedies, and Ayurvedic formulations.

Pomegranate energetics are sweet, sour, astringent, and bitter, with a cooling effect and create lightness.  It is balancing for all three doshas. They are low in calories and fat, high in fiber and some protein, with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and B9.

Their health benefits include acting as antioxidants, supporting heart health, regulating lipids, being easily digestible, and possessing antiviral properties. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory effects that can relieve arthritis and joint pain, promote reproductive and prostate health, and act as aphrodisiacs. Their properties aid conditions such as anemia, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and cough, and they have a positive impact on depression, osteoporosis, asthma, obesity, and Alzheimer's.

Pomegranate-Cucumber Chutney

Ingredients

4 teaspoons of dry pomegranate seeds

1 small cucumber (seeded)½ cup fresh cilantro¼ cup of fresh mint leaves1 teaspoon of lemon juice¼ tsp each of fennel and cumin powder½ onion chopped (optional)Salt, sugar, or chili powder to tasteWater as needed

Directions

1. Prep the whole pomegranate or wash the pomegranate seeds well.

2. Cut the cucumber, remove the seeds, and then cut it into smaller pieces for blending.

3. Add all the ingredients into a blender with a bit of water and blend until smooth.

4. Place into a container.