Is there a seedless pomegranate and how to distinguish it from a regular one?

Seedless pomegranate is a product of the breeding work of American breeders. It appeared relatively recently, but has already spread to countries with warm climates. The juicy, sweet, slightly watery grains still contain small, soft seeds, but eating the fruit has become much easier.

In this article we will talk about the varieties, beneficial properties, and external signs of seedless pomegranate, which can be used to distinguish this variety from the ordinary pomegranate.

Is there a seedless pomegranate?

Pomegranate seedless really exists, and it appeared relatively recently thanks to the work of American specialists. Since the seeds are necessary for the propagation of the crop, it is impossible to completely get rid of them. However, they are smaller in size, much softer and are practically not felt when used.

How to distinguish a seedless pomegranate from a regular one

To distinguish a seedless pomegranate from a regular fruit, pay attention to its appearance. The peel has a smaller thickness and is easily pressed when pressed with a fingernail. The color varies from yellow with a slight blush to scarlet, depending on the varietal characteristics.

The fruits weigh less due to the absence of seeds. Such grenades appear on sale in September-October.

What it looks like and where it grows

The appearance of the seedless pomegranate tree and the common pomegranate tree is no different. This is a low-growing shrub or tree 5-6 m high. The growing season is 6-8 months. The first harvest is harvested 3 years after planting.

The branches are thin with thorns. The leaves are oval-shaped, smooth, with a slight shine, 3 cm long. The color is green.

The flowers have a diameter of 2.5-4 cm. The shape is funnel-shaped. The color is orange-red. The petals contain punicin, a natural dye.

Types of flowers:

• bisexual, pitcher-shaped, fruit ovaries appear from them;
• bell-shaped - do not bear fruit.

The triangular cup has dense lobes. Stamens and petals are born in its throat.

The fruits are spherical in shape. At the end there is a leathery pericarp and a calyx. The skin is thin, yellow or scarlet. Diameter - 15-18 cm. The fruits do not tolerate transportation well due to their thin peel.

Boneless pomegranates are actively cultivated in the USA, Spain, Turkey, Transcaucasia, and China. The most suitable climate for the culture is in Spain. It is in this country that the pomegranate grow in large quantities sufficient for domestic consumption and export.

Varieties

There are currently two varieties of seedless pomegranate in the world:

1. Wonderful - a variety of American selection. It has a light yellow peel color. The weight of one fruit is 250-300 g.
2. Mollar de Elche - a product of Spanish breeding work. The skin is thin, scarlet in color. Fruit weight – 400-600 g.

The seeds of both varieties of pomegranate are soft, almost imperceptible. The grains are juicy, sweet, and watery in taste. They contain less acid than grains with seeds.

Interesting. According to ancient Greek mythology, the change of seasons occurs thanks to the pomegranate. The daughter of the fertility goddess Proserpina, after being abducted by the god of the kingdom of the dead Hades, ate six pomegranate seeds in honor of her marriage. Submitting to the terms of the marriage agreement, she lived for six months in the kingdom of the dead, and a cold winter set in on earth.

Chemical composition and benefits of pomegranate

The vitamin and mineral composition of seedless grains is no different from the composition of pomegranate with seeds.

The table shows the content of vitamins and minerals per 100 g of product.

KBZHU

Nutritional value of the product per 100 g:

• calorie content – ​​50 kcal;
• proteins – 0.7g;
• fats – 0.6 g;
• carbohydrates – 14.5 g;
• fiber – 0.9 g.

Benefits for the body

Pomegranate supports heart function thanks to the substance punicalagin, which neutralizes free radicals. Antioxidants in the grains strengthen blood vessels, increase the elasticity of their walls, and break down and remove cholesterol plaques. Just 30 ml of pomegranate juice per day reduces the risk of plaques on the walls of blood vessels by 30%.

Pomegranate seeds contain 21% of the daily value of vitamin K.It takes part in the construction and metabolism of connective and bone tissues and helps in the absorption of calcium. Regular use of the product prevents cartilage deformation due to osteoarthritis. Phytonutrients reduce inflammation and tissue swelling.

Other useful properties:

• Pomegranate juice removes plaque, kills germs and viruses in the oral cavity, reduces the risk of developing periodontal disease.
• Ellagotannins are substances that inhibit the production of estrogen and the growth of cancer cells. American scientists have proven that regular consumption of pomegranate prevents the development of breast cancer.
• Pomegranate extract contains substances that reduce inflammation and oxidative processes in the body. Regular consumption of pomegranate seeds in men reduces the risk of prostate and lung cancer, especially against the background of smoking abuse.
• Pomegranate activates the body's defenses, helps fight viruses and bacteria during cold and flu season. It is enough to eat ¼ of a pomegranate to strengthen the immune system.
• Fiber normalizes digestive function, the intestines work like clockwork, lightness appears, and well-being improves significantly. Pomegranate juice improves appetite and quickly quenches thirst.
• Pomegranate seeds contain oil that promotes cell regeneration and accelerates the healing of skin damage and sunburn, stimulates the production of elastin and collagen.
• Natural pomegranate juice is prescribed to children and adults with low hemoglobin levels and iron deficiency anemia. Against the background of a decrease in the number of red blood cells, the body experiences an acute lack of oxygen, which primarily affects the condition of nails and hair.Regular consumption of pomegranate strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair loss.
• A moderate amount of pomegranate seeds can be consumed for diabetes. The juice has a diuretic effect and reduces swelling, which is characteristic of this disease.
• Research published in 2006 suggests that pomegranate prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the high content of antioxidants. They reduce inflammation in the brain and curb age-related dementia.
• Pomegranate extract is used in traditional medicine as an anti-aging supplement that slows down skin aging. Regular intake of pomegranate increases the elasticity of facial skin, reduces the network of fine wrinkles, pigment spots become lighter, and new ones do not appear.

Who is this pomegranate especially useful for?

Seedless pomegranate seeds are especially useful for children and people suffering from digestive disorders. Since there are no hard seeds inside, the gastrointestinal tract copes with soft, small seeds more easily and quickly.

Harm and contraindications

Pomegranate is contraindicated for:

• gastritis with high acidity;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• under 1 year of age due to the risk of allergic reactions;
• hemorrhoids;
• chronic constipation;
• acute pancreatitis;
• allergies to the product.

If consumed in excess, pomegranate can cause gastric and intestinal disorders of varying severity.

This is interesting:

A step-by-step guide to propagating pomegranate from cuttings at home.

Using cauliflower for weight loss: benefits and harms.

Health benefits and harms of tangerines, energy value.

Conclusion

American breeders did their best and developed the ideal pomegranate for those who do not like seeds inside the grains. It was still not possible to completely get rid of them, but they became soft and almost unnoticeable when consumed. The chemical composition is the same as that of a product with seeds, except that the calorie content is lower. For comparison, 100 g of grains with seeds contains 72 kcal, without - 50 kcal.

Pomegranate is useful for children and adults, it supports the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, immune, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems. Regular consumption reduces the risk of developing cancer and senile dementia.