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Brush up on your pomegranate terminology with this glossary of pomegranate terms. Watch for intriguing new additions to our pomegranate words list. If there is a pomegranate word we might have missed, let us know!
Antioxidant - compounds found in pomegranates that protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products of the body's normal chemical processes.
Albedo - the fleshy white lining under the skin of a pomegranate.
Anardana - a spice made from wild pomegranate seeds used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Anardana means pomegranate (anar) and seeds (dana) in Persian.
Aril - the botanical term for the pomegranate seed and surrounding juice sac.
Balaustine - the bitter-tasting, rose-like flowers of the pomegranate which may be used as an astringent in folk medicine. Balaustine also describes pomegranates' distinctive red colour.
Crown - the formation of a distinctive "crown" shape, or calyx, is the first sign pomegranate flowers are transforming into fruit. The mature pomegranate retains a distinctive "crown" at a point where the fruit is separated from the branch.
Flavonoid - compounds found in fruits, vegetables and certain beverages that have diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects. Pomegranates contain flavonoids.
Grenadine - a brilliant, scarlet-coloured non-alcoholic syrup made from the juice of pomegranates and used to flavour and colour drinks and desserts.
Membrane - The transparent, yellow material protecting the pomegranate's arils. The membrane is bitter and not recommended for consumption.
Molasses - a thick and syrupy condiment generally made from pomegranate juice, lemon juice and sugar and available in Middle Eastern grocery stores. Its many uses include flavouring, thickening and tenderising.
Non-climacteric - Pomegranates are members of the non-climacteric fruit family, or fruit which does not ripen further after picking.
Pericarp - the smooth yet somewhat leathery exterior, or rind, of the pomegranate. Also referred to as rind.
Phytonutrients - Nutrients derived from plant material shown to be necessary for sustaining human life. They form part of a plant's immune system, protecting them from disease, injury, extreme weather conditions and more. Pomegranates are a source of phytonutrients.
Polyphenol - a type of chemical that protects against various common health problems and certain effects of ageing. Polyphenols can also block the action of enzymes that cancers need for growth. Pomegranates are a source of polyphenols.
Punica granatum - the Latin, biological name for the fruit-bearing, small deciduous pomegranate tree, which grows to between five and eight metres.
Rind - The outer peel, or husk, of a pomegranate. Also referred to as pericarp.
Sac - the juicy, crimson-coloured casing around every seed which gives the pomegranate its sharp taste and brilliant colour.
Tannins - Pomegranates contain a diverse range of tannins, astringent principles which give the seeds its distinctive sweet-sharp taste.
Variety - There are hundreds of varieties of pomegranates growing both in the wild and under cultivation worldwide. Varieties include Guloisha, Fleshman, Green Globe, King, Utah Sweet and Phoenicia.
Wonderful - the most widely grown pomegranate variety in the world, known for its colourful large fruit, sweet taste, plentiful juice and multiple health benefits.