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Have you noticed pomegranates are starting to pop up here, there and everywhere?
But are they something you tend to pass right by? Believe me, that was my tendency for years. They just seemed too fussy to me. The whole de-seeding thing was intimidating and definitely not something I would do for everyday occasions. On top of that, I didn't know what kind of recipes to use them in.
Everything changed, as far as pomegranates go, a few years ago when I discovered a unbelievable easy way to de-seed a pom - get this, in just a minute or two! You could say that pomegranates and I became fast friends - these days, when I see a beautiful, mounded display of the red orbs at the market, with a sign that says "Pomegranates - 10 for $10", I start jumping up and down (don't worry, if you're shopping with me, I'm jumping on the inside). And if you check out The Café archives for pomegranate recipes, you'll see that I use them for salads, sides, salsas, cheeseballs, appetizers and all sorts of other things. I'm a changed woman!
Pomegranate arils are super healthy (they're loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and, on top of that, their ruby red, jeweled appearance makes a simply gorgeous presentation. I thought I'd share a few of our favorite ways to use this delightful fruit, as well as the simple technique that forever changed my attitude toward pomegranates. I'm calling it, Five Favorite Recipes to Celebrate Pomegranate Season. Are you ready?
The Easy Way to Remove Pomegranate Seeds - first of all, the crazy easy technique. I was so taken with this method that I did a picture tutorial post so other's could enjoy pomegranates as much as we do these days. I've gotten lots of response from readers who can't believe it could be so simple.
Pomegranate, Parsley and Pecan Cheeseball - light, fresh and fun - with a smidgen of garlic, a bit of fine lemon zest and lots of fresh herbs. It's gorgeous too and tends to make jaws drop!
Honey Maple Roasted Carrots - these are like candy, everyone always wants second helpings! This recipe definitely transforms everyday carrots into something spectacular! I have a feeling they will be a shining star on lots of Thanksgiving tables this year, as they've been popular on all sorts of websites and were featured on Today.com and in Relish Magazine (found in many Sunday newspapers across the US).
Pear and Pomegranate Salsa - a seasonal favorite that will be sure to bring ooohs and ahhhhs for it's taste and beautiful appearance. Great for an appetizer or spooned over pan-seared salmon.
Arugula, Pear and Pom Salad - a fabulous fresh salad with fresh pears, pomegranate arils and juicy red grapes. A poppy seed and apple cider dressing is the perfect pairing!
So there you have it, some of our favorite pomegranate recipes. With the season just starting, I'm sure there will be new ones rolling out here at The Café in the weeks ahead. I can't seem to keep my hands off of them. And you won't want to keep your hands off them either, once you try the simple deseeding trick, so be sure to throw a few in your cart next time you're at the market!
P.S. Oh, and just a few things about buying and cooking with pomegranates:
Although you can find them all year long, they are frightfully expensive and not at their optimum offseason. They're typically in their prime, starting in October and continuing through February. When selecting pomegranates, look for a ripe, deep-colored fruit with a red to reddish-brown outward appearance. Pick them up and hold them in your hand. You're looking for ones that are heavy for their size. Early in the season, the arils (seeds) tend to be lighter, sometimes even pink, in color. As the season progresses, they become a deep, ruby red hue.
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I remember poms being stain makers in my youth. Do they still stain badly? I guess if you eat the whole aril it wouldn't be so bad. I would love to try them in a salad or your carrot recipe, but I'm not sure I could get my hub to eat them. He does drink pom juice but makes a face afterwards.. Might just have to try them.
I haven't really had a problem with staining although I'm sure if the juice got on something it might cause a stain. You might be surprised if you put the pom seeds in a salad with other delicious ingredients. I've had lots of pomegranate converts, over the years!
These little jewels are definitely photogenic! I think you've convince me to give them a try.
They'll sneak up on your "favorites" list real fast, once you give them a try Sandra!
We wait all year for Pom season!! The favorite pomegranate vendor at the farmers market is in full swing and we've been enjoying the little jewels every day. Those carrots though?? They are calling my name!!
The two combined really bring out the best in each other Kim!
One more beautiful and appetizing than the other. Looking forward to enjoy this marvelous fruit and recipes!
Thanks Denise!
I remember your post on how to deseed a pomegranate! Really a great technique, and I use it all the time now. Thanks! And thanks for these terrific recipes -- just love pomegranate season. 🙂
Thanks so much John! And have fun with the poms!
I love the taste, health benefits and beauty of pomegranite, but am I the only one that thinks it's weird that you don't eat the whole seed, but you put the whole seed in a salad or cheese ball, etc? So, let's say that you are eating the salad with pom seeds, you wouldn't be able to just eat the salad normally, you would have to be careful to not bite down, into the pom seed. I eat pom seeds, but i only eat them by themselves, so actually, i'm just chewing the juicy part off of the seeds in the middle.
I'm so confused by this scrumptious, beautiful, healthy fruit...................
Hi Kymber Leigh,
That’s actually a good question. You do eat the whole aril. There is a little seed in the center but it’s totally edible and just gives a nice little crunch to everything. Kind of like nuts. The seeds are also a great source of fiber. I wasn’t sure I liked them at first but now I love them! Thanks for asking a good question.
Wow I have not had a pomegranate in years because they are such a pain. I will now be looking for them on the shelf and I really like the sound of them with carrots Thanks so much for this Diane
Thanks Diane! Once you get over the processing part, (which is surprisingly easy) the taste and health benefits are truly amazing!
I DID notice a sudden surge in pomegranates in the supermarkets. Awesome collection!
Thanks Cathleen! Scott and I have seen beautiful fruit and great prices so far this season!
Eating a whole pomegranate brings back fond memories of my mother and how she would bring a few home for us to eat on special occasions. They are so darned pretty too. Great recipes!
Thanks Susan! Food really triggers memories, doesn't it?
So glad you posted this, Chris. I have enjoyed making most of these recipes and am happy to have them all in one place so I can try the ones I missed! 🙂 Using your deseeding tips, the cheese ball will be making several command performances this holiday season!
I love it Wendy! He is quite a stunner - and very handsome on the appetizer tray!
Perfect timing. I just saw my first pom in the grocery store last night. I wish I had bought a couple now.
I love that it's a fairly long season Debra, there will be many more to come!
Pomegranate seeds add so much color to food and your dishes are beautiful. I haven't seen an of the fruits at are markets as yet in Florida. When they arrive, I hope they will be as cheap as yours. In New Hampshire, they were always expensive.
It's funny how the price is so up and down, depending on where you live and the stores that are near you.
I can't get enough pomegranate and love your "how-to" tutorial! My favorite way to remove the seeds to this day 🙂 Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Thanks Tricia! We had a wonderful weekend with my sisters and ate lots of poms!
I made your ball last yr;)
Fun and delish, right Monique?
Love pomegranate! I always miss them when they are not in season 🙂
That's so true Valya! But it's an exciting time here at The Café when pom season rolls around!
That pomegranate cheese ball is EPIC!!!!
Thanks Sue, It's really the hit of the party, and honestly, not that hard to make.
Hi Chris, oh I just bought 2 pomegranates at the farmers market, a very timely post, love these recipes.
Thanks Cheri!
I bought my first pomegranates just yesterday and can't wait to cut into them for party food. I believe a pomegranate makes a party on its own. 🙂
They are so fun, aren't they Maureen? And the health benefits are just a wonderful bonus!
I always love this beautiful fruit..the vibrant red colour and juicy seeds..just irresistible. Thanks for sharing all those amazing recipes, Chris.
You're very welcome Angie! If I can turn anyone into a pom lover, it's a good day!