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Modern cooking boasts a huge number of different dishes and seasonings for them. Pomegranate syrup is an essential ingredient in Turkish, Azerbaijani and Israeli cuisine. It can complement most oriental dishes, decorating it with an indescribable taste and aroma.
What are the benefits of pomegranate syrup?
Like the juice from this fruit, pomegranate syrup retains all its beneficial properties and a set of microelements and vitamins. It is rich in ascorbic and folic acid, vital for the proper functioning of the body. Among the vitamins that make up pomegranate syrup, A, B1, B2, C, E and PP have the greatest benefits for the body. Their regular intake into the body strengthens the immune system and slows down the aging process, accelerating the natural regeneration of cells.
Among the useful elements are iron, which improves the general condition of the circulatory system, and calcium, an element necessary for most biochemical processes in the tissues of the body. Potassium and magnesium contained in the finished syrup are also very beneficial for humans.Substances improve brain activity and are responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
How to use pomegranate syrup
In the modern world with its general globalization, this dessert has long gone beyond the borders of its historical homeland. Its beneficial properties and unique taste are used on all continents.
Pomegranate syrup, made from fruit juice, has many uses in both cooking and medicine. It is an excellent addition to both meat and a variety of desserts. From a medical point of view, the beneficial substances contained in it can improve the functioning of many vital organs.
Use of pomegranate syrup in cooking
In cooking, it is customary to divide pomegranate syrup into two types - grenadine and narsharab. The first is a sugary thick liquid made from a mixture of various juices with a predominance of pomegranate. Narsharab is pure pomegranate juice with the addition of a small amount of citric acid and various spices and seasonings - basil, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon and bay leaf.
In modern cooking, grenadine is used in a huge variety of dishes. It is an excellent addition to most desserts and can be used as a topping for ice cream, coffee or pancakes. Grenadine is very common in cocktails - thanks to its unusual consistency, it can turn the drink into a real work of art.
Narsharab is a more traditional seasoning in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is ideal for meat, vegetables and fish dishes. On its basis, unsurpassed marinades for meat are created. Narsharab is also used in traditional Turkish and Azerbaijani desserts.
Use of pomegranate syrup in medicine
Doctors say that regular use of such syrup increases the overall level of useful hemoglobin, thereby minimizing the risk of anemia. In fact, pomegranate fruits contain a large amount of easily digestible iron that is beneficial for the human body.
One of the most important features of pomegranate syrup from Turkey used in medicine is its ability to minimize the development of cancer in humans. It is believed that, in combination with modern treatment methods, consuming small portions of pomegranate syrup can stop the development of cancer cells.
Beneficial folacin and a large amount of tannins are actively involved in regulating the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The substances relieve inflammation in the intestines, accelerate tissue metabolism, and also help get rid of prolonged diarrhea. The syrup also has an excellent diuretic effect, allowing a person to get rid of edema.
How to make pomegranate syrup
Recently, the product has become so popular that it can be found in almost any large chain supermarket. However, many people who care about their health prefer to make it themselves in order to avoid unscrupulous manufacturers who add various dyes and preservatives to their products.
The main ingredient of the dessert is pomegranate juice. The grains must be as ripe as possible and must not contain traces of mold.The finished juice is filtered through cheesecloth, mixed with sugar, various spices and placed on low heat to evaporate excess water. When the consistency of the liquid becomes thick, remove it from the heat and cool.
Pomegranate Syrup Recipes
There are a huge number of recipes for making pomegranate syrup. Most differ in the spices used and whether or not to add sugar. For the classic narsharab recipe you will need:
- 3 kg of pomegranate seeds;
- 1 head of garlic;
- 3 tbsp. l. dried basil;
- 2 tbsp. l. ground coriander.
The grains are placed in a saucepan and boiled to a consistency reminiscent of thick jam, constantly stirring with a masher. When the seeds turn white, the mass is filtered to obtain the juice. Cook it over low heat, stirring constantly. Half of the water should evaporate, the liquid should become dark ruby in color. Add spices and garlic to the resulting mass and boil them for about 15 minutes. The finished dish is removed from the heat, cooled and bottled.
To make sweeter grenadine, use apple juice and a small amount of sugar. In order to make the finished syrup thicker, use potato starch. The entire list of ingredients for grenadine is as follows:
- 4 ripe pomegranates;
- 1 liter of apple juice;
- 3 tbsp. l. starch;
- 3 tbsp. l. Sahara;
- 4 buds of cloves;
- 1 tbsp. l. coriander;
- 1 tsp. nutmeg.
Pomegranates are peeled and films between the grains removed. The grains are crushed and the mixture is filtered to obtain pure juice. Pomegranate juice is mixed with apple juice and the mixture is placed on low heat. Spices are added to the liquid and it is evaporated by about 20-30%.Then you need to pour in the starch diluted in water in a thin stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The finished dish is cooled and bottled.
There is also a Turkish recipe for making pomegranate syrup. Its peculiarity is the presence of only one ingredient - the pomegranate itself. It is believed that from 2.5 kg of ripe fruits about 200 ml of concentrated syrup is obtained. Preparation consists of the following steps:
- The fruits are cleaned and juice is extracted from the grains using a juicer.
- The juice is poured into an enamel pan and brought to a boil.
- Over low heat, gradually evaporate the liquid until a thick mass forms.
Turkish style syrup is ideal for all local chicken and beef dishes. It gives meat a unique sweet and sour taste and a subtle fruity aroma.
How to take pomegranate syrup
To obtain maximum benefits for the body, it is important to follow some rules for using this product. It is important to follow the recommended dosages. Since pomegranate syrup is a concentrated juice with added sugar, its maximum dose per day to reveal its beneficial properties should not be more than 100 ml. Exceeding the dosage can cause increased blood pressure and hypervitaminosis.
If the product is used in its pure form, care should be taken to protect tooth enamel. Dentists recommend using a straw to avoid acid getting on your teeth. You can also dilute it with water and mix it with other juice to change the acid balance to a more neutral side.
Contraindications
As with any fruit dessert, some people should be wary of pomegranate syrup.Restrictions on use usually include the following diseases:
- increased acidity in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- gastritis in all manifestations;
- peptic ulcers;
- constipation and intestinal obstruction.
Due to the high acid content, it is not recommended to use this product for people with dental problems. Its excessive consumption contributes to the destruction of tooth enamel, so it is recommended to dilute the dessert with water to reduce acidity.
Terms and conditions of storage
Containing a large amount of sugar, the product boasts a fairly long shelf life. Thanks to this natural preservative, a bottle of dessert can last up to a year if storage conditions are met. The optimal temperature is 5-10 degrees. The room should not be heavily lit and direct sunlight should be avoided.
As for store-bought analogues, their shelf life can reach unrealistic 2-3 years. Most often, the manufacturer overdoes it by adding artificial preservatives to extend shelf life. It is worth giving preference to more expensive products and companies seeking to maintain their reputation.
Conclusion
Pomegranate syrup is a real find for lovers of variety in preparing familiar dishes. He is able to turn a simple recipe into a real work of art. If you use this product in moderation, its beneficial effect will have a positive impact on your overall health.
