I am seriously impressed with the innovative approach Navitas Naturals is taking to the superfood arena. They are creating freeze-dried organic powders from various healthy foods, many of which are completely new to me (ie camu and lucuma).

Most recently I trialed their Pomegranate Power, an organic freeze-dried pomegranate powder (no other ingredients, but it is processed on equipment that processes tree nuts) that is labeled as a “Persian Superfood.”

The taste is very tangy / tart-like, leading me to believe that this powder is a rich source of vitamin C, but it isn’t.  From the Navitas website, “Pomegranate contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, with especially notable amounts of vitamin C and potassium.” However, according to the nutrition facts label on the package, one tablespoon of the Pomegranate Power (the amount I found most agreeable) contains just 1.2mg (that is mg – 2% of the RDA, which is only 60mg). Not quite Linus Pauling approved.

Nonetheless, it seems this powder does contain many other free-radical fighters. Also from their website:

 “It is also a powerful source of antioxidant phytoestrogens, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory essential amino acids. Among the most important effects of this beneficial nutrient collection is the ability to inhibit free radicals (a biological component attributed to disease and aging). Remarkably, polyphenols may inhibit estrogen synthesis, and the oil from the pomegranate seed has been proven effective against the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.

But there’s more. Pomegranate’s contribution to cardiovascular health has also been widely celebrated. In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was shown effective in reducing heart disease risk factors: including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation (important components of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease). Pomegranate juice has also been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure (inhibiting the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme), may inhibit viral infections, and can also have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.”

In terms of texture, this is a perfect powder that blends seamlessly into any beverage, pudding, or other recipe. The taste is just slightly sweet with a very tart and tangy kickback. I loved using it as an addition to my morning smoothies; usually just 1 tablespoon per serving was the perfect amount – any more and I did my lips did the pucker dance. I loved it in this Un-Beetable Sugar-Free Smoothie (as I like to call it!) ...

The powder is a beautifully brilliant, but slightly pale pink color, making it a very visually appealing addition to recipes for both kids and adults.

I’m still experimenting with it in other recipes. The Berry Bites I made were a bit too tart. I attempted 1 tablespoon per serving (about 5 bites), and they were yummy, but the aftertaste was a wee bit too potent.

(That is a tablespoon of the Pomegranate Power hiding behind the bites) 

Nonetheless, the potential is really there and I think it would be a marvelously healthy flavor addition to chocolate.

This is a third party review by Alisa Fleming, author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide & Cookbook. For more information on this product, see the Navitas Naturals Website.

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