A pomegranate a day keeps the doctor away
Monday November 30 2009
Pomegranate, from the Latin pomum (apple) and granatus (seeded), is one of the most ancient fruits known to us, dating back thousands of years and surrounded by myth and symbolism.
In Greek mythology, Persephone, the goddess of planting seeds, was kidnapped by Hades and brought to the Underworld as his queen. While she was there, nature mourned and went into hibernation, which then became known as winter. The Fates stated that if anyone ate or drank anything in Hades they would be doomed to stay there forever.
Hades tricked Persephone into eating six pomegranate seeds before Zeus ordered her release. When Persephone was released onto earth again, nature rejoiced and spring was born. But every year, Persephone has to return to Hades for six months because she ate the pomegranate seeds and so nature mourns during autumn and winter.
In Biblical terms, the pomegranate features very prominently in the Old and New Testaments. It goes right back to the Garden of Eden where it was thought that the forbidden apple was indeed a pomegranate, not an apple as we know it. The pomegranate then evolved into a symbol of righteousness in the Torah and many religious ceremonies.
And now again, the pomegranate has achieved almost mythical status in terms of health-giving and medicinal qualities.
While pomegranate juice has long been a part of Middle Eastern cuisine, it first made a splash here about five years ago. Grenadine is a thick concentrated syrup of pomegranate juice, much loved by cocktail barmen. Like with any fruit juice, check that there is no added sugar as that will negate any health benefits of drinking the juice.
When this fruit was studied, many interesting compounds, antioxidants and healthy benefits were discovered. Some of the most notable being the high concentration of anthocyanins.
This is a type of antioxidant that has a special affinity for strengthening the cardiovascular system.
This antioxidant builds and repairs the tissue of the veins and arteries and makes them more elastic. The upshot is the tissue is more youthful and cholesterol plaquing can't adhere to it as it isn't so damaged.
It's also a very significant benefit for people with diabetes as it strengthens the capillaries in the eyes, which often deteriorate and lead to failing eyesight and even blindness.
Pomegranate also shares some of the same health benefits as cranberries. It has a compound in it that is very good for people prone to bladder infections, known as cystitis.
It can be a bit fiddly but fun getting out the pomegranate seeds. Slice the fruit in half and either bash the skin side of the fruit with a large heavy spoon or break it apart with your fingers. Discard the hard skin and pithy membrane between the seeds.
Chinese five Spice Duck Salad
2 Barbary duck breasts
2tbsp Chinese five spice
150g baby salad leaves
1 mango, cubed
6 spring onions, finely chopped
Seeds of 1 pomegranate
Juice of 2 limes
few drops toasted sesame oil
2tbsp chopped coriander
100g Brocco shoots
Method
- Trim any excess fat from around the duck breasts. Score the skin in a diamond pattern. Rub well with the Chinese five spice.
Lay fat side down in a medium hot pan and render out the fat until a thin crispy layer is left. Turn up the heat and seal the breast from the other side.
- Mix the baby leaves, half the coriander, spring onions and Brocco shoots together. Arrange on a large platter or individual plates.
- When the duck breast is cooked to medium rare, remove from the pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice and return to the pan.
- Squeeze the lime juice over it and stir over a medium heat until the duck is cooked to your liking. Duck breast should ideally be served medium rare.
- Arrange the duck on the bed of salad, scatter over the mango and pomegranate seeds. Pour over the juice and toss gently.
- Garnish with the rest of the coriander, spring onion and Brocco shoots.
www.rozannestevens.com
- Rozanne Stevens
Irish Independent
