Pomegranates, with their antioxidant qualities, are the new gold among agricultural products. Pomegranate juice makes its appearance in pomegranate tequila or a pomegranate martini, as well as in the health food stores and produce aisles. For pomegranate producers, utilizing educational and training resources is essential for a successful business practice. Continuing your agricultural education will not only increase crop quality and yield but will keep you up-to-date on safety compliance issues and trends.

To understand how to successfully turn pomegranate seeds into a pomegranate tree, consider the following regarding pomegranate education and training:

1. Access free online resources specifically geared toward pomegranate producers.

2. Purchase educational articles and books pertaining to the growing of pomegranate trees.

3. Learn about and stay up-to-date with pest management and good agricultural practice strategies to ensure proper harvesting of pomegranates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize free online resources focusing on the pomegranate fruit

Take advantage of online educational resources that can be accessed free of cost. Whether you are looking for in-depth scholastic texts, informative videos or want to learn how to eat a pomegranate, there is a plethora of free online content to meet your needs. This medium not only allows you to access these resources from any location but enables you to save useful information for future consultation.

I recommend: Peruse the informational links provided by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Learn about a prestorage treatment for pomegranates in an article from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. View a video discussing pomegranate growing conditions at Expert Village.

Invest in educational articles and books about growing pomegranates

Although there are many cost-free educational resources available to a pomegranate producer, it is sometimes desirable or necessary to purchase educational materials. Depending on what aspects of the pomegranate production process you are interested in gaining a better understanding of, finding exactly what you are looking for can be difficult and may require a small investment.

I recommend: Buy an article discussing the reduction of chilling injury in pomegranates at ScienceDirect. Visit the International Society for Horticultural Science to learn about and order a book focusing on the physiochemical seasonal changes of pomegranates.

Guarantee the safety and quality of pomegranate fruit for sale with GAP and IPM education

With the many pomegranate health benefits enticing individuals to consume the vibrant fruit, ensuring crop safety is essential for any agricultural producer. Accessing good agricultural practices and integrated pest management resources will provide pomegranate producers with the information necessary to ensure a quality product and save money on costly crop damage or consumer lawsuits.

I recommend: Download a guide to good agricultural practices at the Iowa State University Extension website. Learn about integrated pest management at the Environmental Protection Agency; review the pomegranate pest management information (scroll to bottom of page) provided by the Association of Applied IPM Ecologists.

Full of antioxidants, pomegranates have become a popular food among the health-conscious and even the average consumer, thanks to readily available products like POM juice and hip alcoholic drinks like the pomegranate martini. Consider adding this product to your store, whether in the form of fresh pomegranates, pomegranate juice or another pomegranate product. If you’re located in the right region, you can even grow your own pomegranate tree or bush.

Before adding pomegranates to your product lineup, consider the following:

1. Do you have a market for fresh pomegranates from local or international suppliers?

2. Would your customers be interested in pomegranate juice?

3. Would you consider adding other pomegranate products to your store?

4. Do you live in an area where you could produce your own pomegranates?

Action Steps
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Check out fresh products from pomegranate producers

There are a variety of national and international pomegranate growers that distribute to all areas of the United States. Be aware of the pomegranate harvesting season for each grower so you know when to start marketing your pomegranates.

I recommend: You can find locally grown pomegranate fruit for sale in the late summer and early fall from Slayman. Qingdao Dongshan Corporation can supply pomegranates and other unique products to U.S., European and South American markets. Jinan Dawnbreaker Industrial & Commercial is another good source for fresh pomegranates.

Explore pomegranate juice manufacturers

Considering most American consumers wouldn't know where to begin opening a pomegranate, pomegranate juice is an easier way, to get the health benefits of this delectable fruit.

I recommend: POM Wonderful is the probably the most recognized manufacturer of pomegranate juice. The company has expanded its offerings to include pomegranate tea, pills and even fresh pomegranates. Old Orchard recently added a blueberry-pomegranate 100 percent juice blend to its line of products.

Find distributors of other products that use pomegranates

Likely because of its natural health benefits, pomegranates have been showing up in all types of products, from skin revitalizers to wine.

I recommend: Brownwoods Acres Foods has a line of fruit softgel capsules, including a pomegranate capsule that is supposed to support healthy cardiovascular function. The Purple Fruit offers a pomegranate seed oil that is designed to prolong or decrease the signs of aging on a person’s skin.

Grow your own pomegranate trees and bushes

Pomegranate trees and bushes can be found in local nurseries, depending on your location, or online. If they're of bearing size, they will produce pomegranates the very first year.

I recommend: TyTy Nursery sells six different varieties of pomegranate trees and bushes. Aaron’s Nursery is another great source for pomegranate trees. All trees can be ordered online and packaged and shipped directly to you with a 100 percent guarantee.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order a small quantity of pomegranates or pomegranate products as your first shipment. You want to be sure customers are interested in the product before you invest too much money into it.

Many people are choosing to start their days with pomegranate juice instead of the usual orange juice. One of the reasons for this may be that pomegranate juice is the richest source of antioxidants. Pomegranates may benefit our bodies in many ways, such as preventing atherosclerosis, lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks, and reducing cholesterol and stress.

Action Steps
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Pomegranate paste

Pomegranate paste is a type of syrup that is made using seeds from a very tart type of pomegranate. It is usually an additive flavoring in many forms of Middle Eastern foods and can be in seasonings, sauces, stews and other types of jellies.

I recommend: Chef Shop has useful information on pomegranate paste.

Grenadine

Grenadine is a sweet syrup that was originally made on the island of Grenada. Made from pomegranates, it is a coloring and flavoring for many different types of cocktails and desserts, such as the ever-popular 'Shirley Temple' non-alcoholic drink.

I recommend: Wise GEEK has extensive information on grenadine.

Arils

Arils are seeds that are surrounded by a pouch having tart and sweet juice. The arils are held in layers that look just like a honeycomb, which can be eaten or peeled off.

I recommend: The Nibble has interesting information on arils.

Superfruit

To be included in the superfruit category, fruits are judged on their nutrients, as well as antioxidant benefit and the ability of the fruit to affect other molecular structures or cells.

I recommend: The ACAI Health and Resource Center discusses pomegranates in the context of superfruits.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect all types of cells from the effects of things called free radicals. Free radicals are the type of molecules produced when the body breaks down food, or by environmental issues like radiation and tobacco smoke and can cause a tremendous amount of damage to many cells.

I recommend: The American Dietetic Association defines antioxidants, their uses and the health implications associated with them.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice is a very strong antioxidant drink and has many health benefits. It consists of vitamins A, E and C, as well as iron, calcium and potassium. It may also help to prevent cancer and heart disease.

I recommend: The benefits of pomegranate juice are explained at Forever Looking Younger.