7 Creative Uses Of Pomegranate, From Tea To Skincare

Pomegranates are a lot more useful than you think. Besides being consumed in its raw form, pomegranate which is also known as anar, is often consumed as juice and as anardana (dried pomegranate seeds). In Indian culture, pomegranates have been a staple for Ayurvedic practices and it’s believed the medicinal properties in the fruit can alleviate stomach pain. 

Also Read: Pomegranate: 7 Indian Desserts Featuring The Ruby-Red Gems Of Pomegranates

Using The Peel In Tea

Did you know you can use pomegranate peels to make a nutritious tea? Pomegranate peel contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and other compounds that are good for health. Content creator Armen Adamjan who’s famous for his creative hacks of reusing waste, recently shared a way to use the peels to make tea by dehydrating them. The peels can be baked in an oven or sun-dried for 3-4 days and they can be ground into a powder when they’re dry. The peel powder can be put in tea bags and they can be used to brew a nutritious tea that can help with sore throats and cold. 

Use Pomegranate For Skincare

Pomegranate is already quite famed for being healing for the skin. The powder from its peel can be mixed with water and used as a mask to reduce acne. You can also extract the seeds and blend them into a paste for a rejuvenating scrub The antioxidants in pomegranate contribute to skin health, leaving your face feeling revitalized. Additionally, the seeds can be crushed and mixed with sugar for a nourishing exfoliating scrub or added to lip balm recipes for a hint of natural sweetness.

Make A Molasses Glaze

One of the most gourmet uses of pomegranate is to make a rich molasses glaze. By simmering pomegranate juice with sugar over low heat, you can reduce it to a thick, tangy glaze that works wonders on meats or roasted vegetables. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy finish that adds depth and complexity to your dishes.

Use It In Toothpaste

Adding pomegranate powder to toothpaste can be an interesting and potentially beneficial DIY experiment. Pomegranates contain compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants, which have been studied for their potential oral health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria. Choose a gel-based fluoride toothpaste with a mild flavour; add some black pepper and pomegranate powder to your toothpaste and wash your mouth with it.

Pomegranate Salsa

Give your traditional salsa a refreshing twist by incorporating pomegranate arils. Dice tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, and mix in the juicy arils for a burst of sweetness. A squeeze of lime juice ties the flavours together, creating a vibrant salsa that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or grilled meats.

Use It In Cookies

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, a fine powder made from pomegranate peel can be added to cookie batter to boost the nutrient content of the cookie without affecting its taste in a significant way, at least if you’re mindful about the moderation. Powdered pomegranate peel has more fibre, fat, and protein than regular wheat flour. Use 5% of the amount of flour that your recipe calls for, this will make your cookies more brown and also add more moisture to the cookie base.

Pomegranate Ice Cubes:

Visually appealing ice cubes, featuring botanicals or berries are already a popular trend. You can also use pomegranate in ice cubes. Simply drop arils into ice cube trays, fill them with water, and freeze them. Use these cubes in sparkling water, cocktails, or even iced tea for a burst of colour and flavour as they melt. You can also use it to make infused water. Fill a pitcher with water and drop in a handful of arils, letting them infuse for a few hours in the refrigerator.