Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit species that grows in the form of shrubs or small trees in warm and arid regions compatible with the Mediterranean climate. Adapted to different soil types thanks to its durable structure and usually reaches a height of 3 metres. The leaves of the pomegranate plant are bright green in colour, lanceolate shaped and 3-7 cm long. In spring and summer, showy orange-red bell-shaped flowers bloom.
Pomegranate fruit has a round and hard skin.
When ripe, the skin colour can be yellowish-brown or reddish purple. Inside there are many juicy, red-coloured and sweet-sour seeds. These seeds form the edible part of the fruit. The pomegranate is an ancient fruit symbolising fertility, wealth and immortality.
Major Active Ingredients and Proportions
The exact proportions of the active ingredients of pomegranate can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions and processing methods. However, in order to provide a general perspective, the approximate proportions are as follows:
Pomegranate Seeds:
- Punicalagins: It is the most important antioxidant source of pomegranate seeds. It can be found between 0.2 - 1.0% by dry weight.
- Ellagic Acid: It is found between 0.1 - 0.6% by dry weight.
- Anthocyanins: It is found between 0.01 - 0.1% by dry weight.
- Vitamin C: Fresh pomegranate grain contains approximately 100 mg in 10.2 grams.
Pomegranate Peel:
- Ellagic Acid: Between 1.0 - 4.0 per cent by dry weight, higher than in the grain.
- Gallic Acid: It is found between 0.5 - 2.0% by dry weight.
- Tannins: It can be found between 20-25% by dry weight.