The word "pomegranate" is from the Latin "pomum granatum" which means "apple of many seeds."
Pomegranate tree grows to about five and eight meters tall.
Completely grown-up tree bears numerous spherical, bright red, purple, or orange-yellow colored fruits depending on the cultivar types.
Each fruit measures about 6-10 cm in diameter and weighs about 200 gm.
Its tough outer skin (rind) features leathery texture.
The fruit is moderate in calories; 100 g provides 83 calories, slightly more than that in the apples.
It contains no cholesterol or saturated fats.
Interior of the fruit is separated by white, thin, spongy, membranous, bitter tissue into discreet compartments. Such sections, packed as sacs, filled with tiny edible sweet, juicy, pink pulp encasing around a single, angular, soft or hard (in case of over mature fruits) seed.
It is a good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, providing about 4 g per 100 g (about 12% of RDA), which aid in smooth digestion and bowel movements.
Pomegranates have antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor properties.
This fruit consists of three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea. It is said to be a healthy powerhouse.
This fruit is also a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C, provides about 17% per 100 g of daily requirement
It is a good source of many vital B-complex groups of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), folates, pyridoxine and vitamin K, and minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, and manganese.
The pomegranate fruit is judged ripe when it develops distinctive color and impart metallic sound when tapped by the finger.
Fruits must be picked up before they turn overmature, otherwise, their seeds get harder, inedible, and the whole fruit tend to crack open and damage.