If you’ve seen the POM Wonderful campaign, you’ve heard the story about Pomegranates being the real “forbidden fruit”. We’re not speculating about that story, but what we do know is that nowadays there should be nothing forbidden about the these regal crimson globes that boast lots of good for you antioxidants and other great nutrients. We took some time to sit down with our friend the Pomegranate, to find out more about (him/her?) readers, meet the Pomegranate.
C&J: Where are you from?
Pom: My kind is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and was grown all over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times. We are widely spread in India and parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. We were introduced to California by Spanish settlers in the late 1500 to early 1600a. In the US, I’m predominantly grown in California.
C&J: We know you’re not always at your peak, so when is the best time to catch you?
Pom: I’m available now, when most other fruits are going out of season. My peak is late October through December (aka, the holiday season!)
C&J: What’s your ideal living situation (i.e. how should we store you)?
Pom: I’m happy in a cool dry place for about 1 month; Refrigerate me (unopened) and I’ll stay with you for about 6 weeks. If you open me and want to save some for later, refrigerate me and I’ll last about 2-3 days.
C&J: We heard you’ve got some pretty powerful health benefits, what are your main strengths?
Pom: How long do you have? Just kidding, I’ll do my best to give you the shortened version. I’m packed with phytochemicals, plant compounds that help protect me from the environment. These same plant chemicals that protect me, protect you too. Specifically, I’ve got a unique blend of antioxidants that all run around your body helping to neutralize free radicals that may cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. I’m also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
C&J: What are some of your favorite ways to hang out with your fans?
- Open, eat, and enjoy my arils (the red edible seed looking things inside my outer skin) as an antioxidant packed snack: Click here for a step by step guide on how to get to my edible arils — without staining your kitchen, hands, & clothes (courtesy of the Steamy Kitchen blog)
- Add my arils to hot cereal, like oatmeal, along with nuts for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast.
- Drop a few arils into the bottom of a glass of club soda or your favorite cocktail to make it festive and full of flavor.
- Juice seeds or use pre-made Pomegranate juice, like POM Wonderful to make a marinade or glaze for chicken, fish, or pork.
- Toss me over salad greens to add crunch and flavor.
- Add my juice to oil and vinegar to make a pomegranate vinaigrette.
- Add to guacamole
- Toss with roasted butternut squash to add texture and color for a festive side dish.
