Pomegranate is a sweet fruit with a slight tinge of tartness. It is native of tropical Asian countries and now it is available in most departmental stores in North America. When you prepare concoction of pomegranate juice and maple syrup, or pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice it is called pomegranate molasses. The taste, color and thickness of pomegranate molasses slightly vary from one region to another. People living in Middle East, India, and some part of Georgia use pomegranate molasses in many culinary dishes.
Pomegranate juice is derived from its seeds which are also called Arils.
How To Make Pomegranate Molasses At Home?
Method to prepare pomegranate molasses:
The three main ingredients required for preparing pomegranate molasses include; pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
- 1 liter of pomegranate juice.
- ½ cup of granulated sugar.
- 50 to 60 ml of lemon juice.
Mix pomegranate juice, lemon juice and sugar in a sauce pan and boil the mixture. Stir the juice to dissolve the sugar. Taste the syrup and add sugar if you want it sweeter.
When the juice is reduced to half and it becomes thick and syrupy pomegranate molasses is done. Let it cool for half an hour, after which pour it in a glass jar and put on the lid and keep it in refrigerator. Pomegranate molasses prepared at home may stay fresh for a period of three to six months.
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Molasses
- Pomegranate molasses has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin B. Vitamin C present in pomegranate helps to enhance the immune system. Vitamin C helps the immune system to fight against free radicals present in the body. Free radicals are responsible for cellular damage leading to diseases of heart and cancer.
- Pomegranate molasses reduces or prevents the formation of cholesterol in the arteries. Too much of cholesterol in the artery can lead to its hardening and it may further lead to heart disease. The poly-phenols present in pomegranate molasses is responsible for lowering LDL (low density lipoprotein) which is also called bad cholesterol.
- Pomegranate molasses also contains abundant amount of B vitamins. Vitamin B1 helps as a catalyst in the body to keep it energized. It also helps the enzymatic activity to go on smoothly. Niacin present in pomegranate molasses helps to skin to remain elastic, keeps the nervous system healthy and aids in digestion of food.
- Pomegranate molasses when mixed with mustard oil is also used to firm up the sagging breast when applied.
- Regular use of pomegranate juice in different culinary dishes is valuable as it reduces the chance of certain cancers, especially the breast cancer in women.
- It also slows down the prostate cancer in males.
- Pregnant women should consume pomegranate molasses as it contains niacin which is essential for proper brain growth in the fetus.
- Several studies have found pomegranate juice is beneficial for preventing cartilage degeneration in knees. The same benefits are possible with pomegranate molasses.