The Power of Pomegranate

 

Pomegranate: (n) a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor [Merriam Webster].

I am embarrassed to admit I had never heard of nor seen a pomegranate before going to college, where my Californian roommate introduced me to the decidedly-juicy (and good for you) fruit. Pomegranates are anti-oxidant rich, which can aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They are high in Vitamin C and potassium, a good source of fiber, and low in calories. I even read they help fight plaque, so eat up!

Not only are pomegranates healthy, but the festive and exotic seeds are perfect for the upcoming holidays. They add color, texture, and flavor, so be in style at your next dinner party and make something memorable, like Pomegranate Guacamole, Dandalion salad with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and roasted delicata squash, or Pan-fried pork chops with pomegranate and fennel salsa. Drop them in your kir royale or drink of choice for added flair. Here are some potent drink recipes using Pama liquor. 

 

I found this online 3 step method quite helpful, both for eating and gathering seeds for cooking:

1. Cutt off the crown, then cut the pomegranate into sections.

2. Place the sections in a bowl of water, then roll out the arils (juice sacs) with your fingers. Discard everything else.

3. Strain out the water, then eat the succulent arils whole, seeds and all.

Of course there’s POM Wonderful, 100% pomegranate juice, whose ad campaign is rather cute (18 ads total!). Minute-maid also makes a Pomegranate-blueberry juice that is pretty sweet!

 

But pomegranates aren’t just stylish to eat or drink. It seems that scents abound with the fruit that is a symbol of fertility. So spray on Fresh’s Pomegranate Anise Eau de Parfum (but I can’t confirm that it promises to actually increase your chances, if you know what I mean!). Lather up with Grassroots Pomegranate Super Anti-oxidant Cream to help fight free radicals that make us age (who wants to age?). Scent your home with Archipelago Pomegranate 60-hour soy candle.

    

Follow up your pomegranate-themed party by writing your thank-you notes on these screen-printed cards featuring a vintage engraving of a pomegranate.

You knew Martha (the one and only) would have a cool use for them: seating cards. What a better way to keep talkative and senile Great-Aunt Gertrude away from [insert innocent bystander here] this Thanksgiving!

For more DIY arts & crafts, my roommate and I decided to make a dried pomegranate seed and grapefruit slice “curtain” between our dorm rooms. After drying out the respective ingredients, we threaded them onto some fishing wire and hung for an aromatic and creative (and let’s face it, cheap) decoration. I’d show a picture, but it might be too incriminating!

If you’re in NYC, head to the delightful gift shop, Pomegranate, at 201 E. 74th Street (off Third Avenue), filled with beautiful finds for the home. I so wish they had a website.

Apparently there’s even something called the pomegranate phone, an “ultimate, all-in-one device.” Be sure to try the interactive tool that demonstrates how the phone even brews coffee. Almost as versatile as Kit from Night Rider, this phone morphs into a harmonica and an electric razor, among other things. Some web-design nerd put a lot of time into this animation that, as far as I can tell, is a tourism site for Nova Scotia?  Don’t miss this one, it’s pretty funny.

What’s your favorite pomegranate product? or recipe including pomegranates? or POM ad? What else would you want the pomegranate phone to do?

[pomegranate]