All About: Pomegranates
The pomegranate has been the subject of myth, is typically viewed as a symbol of beauty and fertility (because of its many seeds), and is widely used in folk medicine in the Middle East and Asia.
This gorgeous red fruit is available from autumn through December. There are several varieties, the "Wonderful" being the most common available in the United States. Pomegranates are picked when ripe. Choose fruits that are plump, lustrous, and heavy for their size.
The seeds of a pomegranate are used to enhance the flavors of other foods; in fact, most dishes gain a dash of unique flavor and texture with a sprinkling of these jewel-like morsels. A word of caution, though—kids often find these seeds fascinating, and love to pick them out one by one, resulting in crimson-stained fingers and clothes. Although the stains will generally wash out, it's best to wear a big apron (or, at least, clothes you don't care about!) when handling and preparing this fruit.
Juicing is another way to enjoy the beautiful color and taste of pomegranates; they are also used to make a dark, tangy, molasses-like syrup, often used in Mediterranean and middle-Eastern dishes.
Pomegranates have very high antioxidant content—perhaps as much as three times the amount contained in equal quantities of red wine or green tea. They also provide potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and niacin in healthy amounts.