Pomegranate

Cultivated since ancient times, the pomegranate is native to Iran as well as the Himalayas in Northern India. The fruit has been spread all around the Mediterranean area and into California. Derived from the French "pome garnete," it literally means seeded apple. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility in many cultures and is beloved the world over. An excellent source of potassium, the pomegranate is very low in sodium and a medium fruit contains about 105 calories. When you split a pomegranate open, you'll find a white membrane and a mass of bright red arils (fleshy growth covering the seeds). Only the sweet-tart arils are edible. The pomegranate has all the nutritional punch of a superfruit!