The jewel-like seeds of the pomegranate have been prized for thousands of years for their nutritional value. Packed with our number-one skin beautifier – vitamin c – pomegranates are known for their ability to stimulate collagen production in the body. This keeps our skin looking taut, radiant, and youthful. These pretty fruits are rich in powerful actives that have been shown to preserve collagen and protect against free-radical damage. They have the power to boost elasticity and stimulate collagen-producing cells, helping to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. Pomegranates are rich in health benefits!

Got acne? Pomegranates are known to help repair damaged skin and combat inflammation making them an excellent addition in an acne-prone diet.

The fibrous seeds in pomegranates are so tiny they help promote chewing. Chewing stimulates the enzymes in your mouth and your stomach to break down your food. This promotes better digestion.

Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant which can protect cell damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and pomegranates are full of it. This important polyphenol is a free radical scavenger and is extremely effective in increasing the body’s own built-in antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione helps protect the DNA in cells from free radical damage. This makes pomegranates an ingredient to include in your diet when you’re going to be out in the sun. A 2006 study by Howard Murad suggests that taking pomegranate extract can provide a 25% improvement in the effectiveness of SPF.

Good for: anti-aging, acne, sun seekers.

Recipe:

Since pomegranates are great on their own, sprinkled on salads, or blended in smoothies I thought it might be more helpful to teach you to select, cut, and de-seed pomegranates.

How to Select, Cut, and De-Seed Pomegranates

• Try selecting pomegranates that are plump, nearly cracking open, because their seeds are ripe and expanding beyond the peel’s ability to contain them.

• Lay the pomegranate on its side and slice ¼ off the bottom of the pomegranate so you have a nice flat base. Then place the pomegranate cut side down on your cutting board (the blossom/crown should be on top).

• Cut around the crown at a very shallow angle, cutting it out.

• Make 6 shallow vertical cuts in the peel of the pomegranate from top to bottom following the ridges. If you can’t feel the ridges that is ok, just make gentle cuts in the peel trying not to cut any of the seeds underneath.

• Pry open the pomegranate. Grab a small bowl and fill with water and place in the sink or on a cutting board. Working above the bowl, use your fingers to gently pry the pomegranate apart exposing the seeds.

• Gently strip the seeds from the membrane. Don’t worry if membrane falls into the bowl. Because of the water it will float to the top and the seeds will sink. I prefer to do this in the sink or over a cutting board, so I don’t stain my counter. Once you are done stripping the pomegranate seeds from the skin and membranes, skim the membranes from the top of the water, and strain the seeds from the water.

Pomegranate seeds can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

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