Uncovering the Protective Pomegranate Seed Cover
The glistening red jewels tucked inside every pomegranate are wrapped in a protective white membrane known as the pomegranate seed cover. This little-known botanical feature not only safeguards the delicate arils inside the fruit, but offers unique health advantages of its own.
Anatomy of the Pomegranate Seed Covering
Pomegranates contain numerous chambers lined with red pulp and small edible seeds called arils. Each aril is surrounded by a white membrane referred to as a sarcotesta. Together, the juicy red aril and white membrane encasing it make up the pomegranate seed cover.
Purpose of the Seed Covering
This covering serves an important biological function for the pomegranate seeds. It helps protect them from damage while the fruit develops and ripens. The membrane maintains moisture around the seed, preventing it from drying out.
It also protects the tender inner arils from sunburn which can happen when pomegranates crack open slightly while still on the tree. Exposure to sun causes unattractive brown discoloration of the arils.
Nutritional Value in the Seed Cover
While most people discard the white pomegranate seed cover, research shows it contains unique health benefiting plant compounds not found in the juice or arils.
Rich Source of Punicalagins
The seed covering contains very high levels of ellagitannins, specifically punicalagins which are extremely potent antioxidants. In fact, testing reveals the membrane holds over three times more antioxidants than the juice.
Greater Antioxidant Strength
Antioxidant assays comparing the juice, arils and inner membrane all demonstrate that the white pomegranate seed cover has superior free radical scavenging abilities. The seed coat helps neutralize DNA-damaging toxins in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Characteristics
Animal studies indicate the ellagitannins abundant in the membrane have significant anti-inflammatory effects. The seed coat was shown to reduce inflammatory cytokine levels better than the other pomegranate components.
Best Uses for the Seed Cover
Traditionally, the bitter taste and texture of the white seed covering have limited its culinary usefulness. But given the unique health advantages of punicalagins, scientists have been researching innovative ways to leverage the membrane.
Powdered Extract
Drying and grinding the membrane into a fine supplement powder allows easy consumption while retaining all the phytonutrients. Taking just a half teaspoon of seed coat powder provides the antioxidant equivalent of several pomegranate fruits.
Addition to Smoothies
For those who don't mind a bit of bitterness, the powder extract can be blended into smoothies. Even a slight gritty texture from the powder is masked when paired with strongly flavored fruits like berries or pineapple.
Tablet Form
For convenience, the extract is also manufactured into capsules or tablets to get a concentrated dose of these protective compounds. Typical doses range from 500-1000mg taken daily with food.
Though the seed coat has been overlooked in the past, scientists continue exploring innovative ways to capture its unique nutritional value in supplements, functional foods and even cosmetics.
At-Home Uses for Pomegranate Membranes
If you enjoy hand-harvesting pomegranate arils, don’t discard those white bits of peel. There are convenient ways to use them right at home.
Pomegranate Seed Cover Tea
Brewing the dried membrane into a medicinal tea takes advantage of the punicalagins while avoiding any bitter taste or texture issues. Simply dry the seeds covers, crush finely and steep like regular tea leaves.
Add to Baths or Lotions
Soaking in a warm bath infused with pomegranate peel offers a soothing aroma while antioxidants are absorbed directly through the skin. Likewise, adding powdered seed coat to your body lotion helps protect skin.
Natural Plant Fertilizer
Like many fruit byproducts, the leftover membranes make excellent fertilizer for gardens and houseplants. The peel adds nutrient density to compost piles allowing microbes to break it down into plant food.
Though underappreciated, the seed covering powerfully nurtures pomegranate seeds from inception through maturity. With innovative uses, we can now capture those protective compounds for our own health.
FAQs
What is the white stuff around pomegranate seeds?
The white membrane surrounding each aril is called the sarcotesta or seed covering. It helps protect the tender seeds while the fruit grows.
Why shouldn't you eat the white pomegranate peel?
The seed covering has a bitter, astringent taste from high levels of tannins. It also has a tough leathery texture many find unpalatable. Extracts better capture its nutrients.
What are the health benefits of the pomegranate peel?
Research shows the seed coat contains 3 times more antioxidant punicalagins than the juice. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and DNA protective effects in studies.
Can you drink tea made from the peel?
Yes, drying and crushing the white membranes to brew medicinal tea avoids the bitterness and texture issues while still delivering protective compounds.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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