Pomegranate Soda

We're about to transform humble pomegranates into a delectable, chemical-free, homemade soda.

Using just your trusty at-home soda maker and some CO2 canisters, we'll prepare a refreshing pomegranate soda that quenches your thirst and keeps you far away from those grocery store canned monsters.

So let's put on our aprons, roll up our sleeves, and say cheers to healthier and tastier soda-making!

How to make Pomegranate Soda

Ingredients

Prep Time

Cook Time

Medium

Skill

Servings

Ingredients

87 g Pomegranate Seeds
59 g water
50 g Cane Sugar
0.125 oz Lemon Juice
6 oz Sparkling Water
Soda Machine (any kind!)

Instructions

Step 1

In a small pot, combine the pomegranate seeds, water, sugar, and lemon juice and bring to a low boil. Allow to simmer for up to 20 minutes until the color is a deep red. Remove from stove and allow to cool down.

Step 2

Once the syrup is cooled, strain it through a fine colander and filter it into a sealable container. Note: this syrup can be stored for up to 1 month in the fridge.

Step 3

To make your Pomegranate Soda, pour 2 oz of your syrup into a glass with ice, and top with 6 oz of sparkling water made from home using an at-home soda maker. Garnish with lemon wheels and leftover pomegranate seeds.

Need some inspiration?Get a free digital recipe booklet!

The health benefits of pomegranates

Besides adding a tangy pop to our soda, pomegranates are a powerhouse of nutrients, all bundled up in their little kernels. Let's unravel these health benefits one by one.

Packed with antioxidants

Pomegranate seeds are loaded with antioxidants, compounds that play a crucial role in protecting the body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, a key player in chronic diseases.

In fact, pomegranates contain three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea!

These antioxidants, particularly punicalagin found in pomegranate juice, have been shown to reduce inflammation, one of the leading drivers of many killer diseases.

Heart health

Pomegranates are renowned for their heart-healthy benefits, attributed in part to their antioxidant properties.

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology revealed that consumption of pomegranate juice may effectively reduce cholesterol levels, a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Additionally, pomegranates have been found to aid in lowering blood pressure, another crucial risk factor associated with heart disease.

Anti-cancer properties

The benefits of pomegranates extend to possibly helping to prevent and slow down certain types of cancer. Various studies suggest that pomegranates can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer in men.

A study in the Journal of Urology demonstrated that pomegranate juice slowed down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.

Pomegranates are also being studied for their potential effects on breast cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate extract may help prevent breast cancer cells from multiplying or even kill them off entirely.

However, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Does pomegranate juice make you gassy?

While pomegranate juice is lauded for its numerous health benefits—including high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties—some people may experience gas or bloating as a side effect.

This is not specific to pomegranate juice itself but can occur with the consumption of any fruit juice or food that is high in fructose or sorbitol, natural sugars found in fruits.

These sugars can be harder for some individuals to digest, leading to gas or discomfort in the digestive tract. However, this reaction varies from person to person, and many can enjoy pomegranate juice without any adverse effects.

If you're concerned about digestive discomfort, it's advisable to moderate your intake and see how your body responds.

Does pomegranate juice raise blood sugar?

Pomegranate juice contains natural sugars that can impact blood sugar levels. While pomegranates themselves are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, the juicing process removes most of the fiber, resulting in a higher concentration of sugar and calories per serving.

For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's important to consume pomegranate juice in moderation.Incorporating it into a balanced diet with careful monitoring can mitigate potential spikes in blood sugar.

However, despite its sugar content, pomegranate juice also offers health benefits as we've previously discussed, such as high levels of antioxidants, which can support overall health when consumed in mindful portions.

Where do pomegranates grow?

Pomegranates are a versatile fruit that can adapt to various climates, but they thrive best in regions with cool winters and hot, dry summers.

Originally hailing from the region that is now Iran and northern India, pomegranates are widely cultivated throughout the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and parts of California and Arizona in the United States.

These regions provide the ideal conditions for the shrubs to grow and bear the wonderfully juicy, ruby-red fruit we so cherish in our homemade sodas.

So, whether you're whipping up a batch of soda in sunny California or experimenting with a recipe in the heart of the Mediterranean, chances are a pomegranate tree isn't too far away!

Repurposing the pulp

When it comes to pomegranates, the juicy seeds are usually the stars of the show. However, those little pulps that house them should never be underestimated.

Rather than chucking them into the bin after your soda-making session, let's explore some creative and fun ways to put that under appreciated pulp to good use.

Use as a compost ingredient: If you're an avid gardener or have a compost pile, pomegranate pulp is an excellent addition. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients, helping to create a thriving environment for your plants to grow.
Incorporate into a facial mask: For the skincare enthusiasts out there, pomegranate pulp makes a fabulous natural facial mask. The antioxidants present can help to soothe and rejuvenate your skin, giving you a natural glow.
Bake into a muffin recipe: While you may have used applesauce or mashed bananas in baking, have you ever tried using pomegranate pulp? This can be a unique way to add a bit of tartness and moisture to your favorite muffin or bread recipe.
Create a DIY lip stain: If you love a natural beauty hack, the vibrant color from the pulp can be used as a lip stain. Mix with a bit of coconut oil and apply for a subtle pop of color.
Use as a natural dye: Finally, the deep hues from the pomegranate pulp can be used as a natural dye. This is perfect for craft projects or for dying fabrics in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Remember, every part of the pomegranate can bring something unique to the table. So next time, think twice before discarding that pulp!