This is the season to buy pomegranates and add some beautiful color to your holiday table decor – or buy them to eat and enjoy! The pomegranate is an ancient fruit from the Middle East – now grown all over the world. It has a smooth red rind with a crown on top – and when you cut it open you see pods of juicy red pulp and seeds. This odd-looking fruit is good for you! According to researchers the juice may reduce the damage that LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can wreak on artery walls and can help lower blood pressure.
A whole pomegranate has only 120 calories- provides your Vit C for the day – contains some iron and calcium – and is rich in antioxidants. You can buy the whole fruit or the juice and get the same benefits – but the fruit can add fun and flavor to a variety of dishes. 
The hardest part can be opening and extracting the seeds but here’s an easy way to avoid all the mess and prevent staining of your hands, counter or clothing. Cut off the end and score the rind and membrane in 4 vertical cuts. Soak the fruit in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Hold the fruit under the water and break the sections apart – separating the membranes from the seeds. Seeds will sink and the rind and membrane will float – discard the membrane. Drain the seeds in a colander and pat dry. You can eat the seeds just as they are – or use them in recipes.
My favorite for a delicious addition to a holiday meal is tossing with a baby green salad with gorgonzola cheese, candied pecans and balsamic vinegrette. You can also add them to cooked rice or couscous – put them in smoothies or top cereal, yogurt or sorbet. You can buy pomegranate juice – and the potent juice goes a long way. Drink it straight -make a marinade for fish or meat - or add a dash to some lime juice and mix up a fine pomegranate martini (adding a splash of tequila or vodka) to celebrate the holidays! Cheers!!
Posted by on December 4, 2009 at 11:22 pm | Food, Nutrition and tagged Bonnie Crouse, Food, Nutrition, Pomegranates, SOMA GET FIT
