Pomegranates grown commercially in Australia for first time
Australia’s first variety of home grown Royal Pom pomegranates is hitting Australian fresh produce aisles this March. Grown by family owned business PMG Agriculture and brought to market by Australian company Perfection Fresh, they are the first pomegranates produced commercially on Australian soil.
Pomegranates are well known for their nutritional benefits, especially their high antioxidant levels, which assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and can reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Pomegranates are also a high source of dietary fibre, folic acid, potassium, iron and Vitamin C and B.
“Pomegranates are fast becoming the next super fruit due to extensive health benefits and the unique qualities of antioxidants present in the fruit, which are known to delay the ageing process, increase brain power and fight off bacteria and viruses,” says pomegranate grower Paul McLaughlin.
Whilst appearing to have a tough exterior, inside the pomegranates are hundreds of little soft red seeds filled with sweet juice known as arils. The intense flavour of the arils is sweet and tangy making them perfect for a healthy snack.
Pomegranate arils can also be used to transform ordinary foods such as salads, desserts, juices and cocktails, adding a distinctive flavour. Unopened poms will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks when kept out of the sunlight, however, they can last over a month if kept in the crisper of a refrigerator and frozen seeds will last up to a year.
Royal Pom pomegranates are available in the fresh produce aisle of most supermarkets and local grocers between March and June 2010.
Perhaps Royal Pom pomegranates have been grown commercially for the first time in Australia but your headline “Pomegranates grown commercially in Australia for first time” is VERY wrong and I object vehemently.