The Marvels of Pomegranates: Facts, Nutrients, and Serving Ideas

1. POMEGRANATE FAST FACTS • Pomegranates are a type of berry • Pomegranate means "apple with many seeds" • Pomegranates are grown in the United States (mostly California and Arizona) • Pomegranates grow on shrubs usually no taller than 30 feet • You can only eat the inside seeds of pomegranates and not the outside skin IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS Vitamin C - helps with wound healing Vitamin K - good for your heart, blood clotting, and bone growth Potassium- helps with muscle contractions, nervous system, and balance fluid in your body Protein - needed for energy, bones, muscles, skin, blood, and hormones Fiber - good for your gut and heart Folate - needed for new cell creation SELECTION & STORAGE • Choose pomegranates that have flatter edges and are somewhat squared. Pomegranates should feel firm with no soft spots. • Whole pomegranates can be stored either on the counter or in the refrigerator (refrigerate for longer storing) • Cut pomegranates and pomegranates seeds should be in an airtight container in the refrigerator. IDEAS FOR SERVING Add pomegranates to salads (vegetable or fruit salads) Use pomegranates as toppings for yogurts, cakes, puddings, waffles, etc. Eat pomegranate seeds by themselves as a snack This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

2. POMEGRANATE ACTIVITIES Five Senses Fun! Use your five senses to describe how pomegranates look, feel, taste, sound, and smell. Artistic Writing Write a poem or song about the health benefits of pomegranates. Share with the class. Compare & Contrast Make a list of similarities and a list of differences between pomegranates and another berry. Are there more similarities or differences? Watch a Video Find and watch a video online that shows how pomegranates are grown, harvested, and distributed in the United States. Science Exploration Identify each of the following parts of the pomegranate: crown, skin, rind, arils. Write a Recipe Invent a new recipe that includes pomegranates as one of the ingredients.

3. POMEGRANATE CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING What are some examples of other berries? What type of plant do pomegranates grow on? What nutrients are found in pomegranates? What should you look for when selecting pomegranates at the market? What is your favorite way to eat a pomegranate?

4. POMEGRANATE CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING What are some examples of other berries? Examples: grapes, cranberries, strawberries, etc. What type of plant do pomegranates grow on? Example: shrubs What nutrients are found in pomegranates? Examples: Vitamin C,, Vitamin K, Folate, Potassium, Fiber, etc. What should you look for when selecting pomegranates at the market? Example: Ripe pomegranates should be slightly squared with flattened edges and no soft pots. What is your favorite way to eat a pomegranate? Examples: on a salad, on dessert, fruit salad, fresh/by itself, etc.

5. POMEGRANATE REFERENCES https://www.pomegranates.org/ eech, J. (2018). 12 Health Benefits of Pomegranate. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate [Accessed 31 Oct. 2019]. Sobel, A. (2019). How to Eat Pomegranate — A Simple Guide. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-eat-pomegranate [Accessed 31 Oct. 2019].