Pomegranate is an emerging crop that has been experiencing a significant expansion in Georgia. Pomegranates are excellent sources of sugars, soluble fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, including polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity. Because of their nutritional content, pomegranates are considered functional foods (foods that provide health benefits in addition to basic nutrition). Several value-added products may be developed from pomegranate arils and pomegranate peels, including food ingredients with strong antioxidant content, which may be appealing to health-conscious consumers interested in including more plant-based ingredients into their diets. Hence, antioxidant-rich foods such as pomegranates may be used by the U.S. food industry more often as a source of natural ingredients. Not only does consuming pomegranates provide numerous health benefits, but pomegranate derivatives also have the potential to improve the sensory properties and shelf-life of food products. This bulletin describes the main phytochemicals present in pomegranate fruits and provides an overview of the potential value-added products that may be developed from Georgia-grown pomegranates.
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Status and Revision History
- Published on May 1, 2023
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