Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice, derived from the vibrant pomegranate fruit, is popular both as a beverage and a culinary ingredient, whether used as fresh juice or concentrated syrup. While many extol its health benefits, research on pomegranate juice’s efficacy in managing blood pressure, cancer, blood sugar levels, or heart disease remains inconclusive. Additionally, it is worth noting that pomegranate juice is high in natural sugars, making it quite calorie-dense.

One of the leading brands, POM Wonderful, has extensively marketed the health benefits of pomegranate juice. However, in 2010, the company faced a false advertising complaint from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By 2012, an administrative law judge had ruled on several of these allegations.

There is also pomegranate molasses, a thick, dark red syrup made by reducing the juice of tart pomegranates. Unlike traditional molasses from sugarcane, pomegranate molasses has a unique tangy flavor and is a staple in various cuisines. It is used in dishes like Iranian fesenjān, Turkish dolma, and salads such as çoban salatası. This versatile ingredient is known by different names in Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Azerbaijani culinary traditions.