FoodFood InformationFruitTropical
The pomegranate dates back to ancient Persia. It is a most unusual fruitthat resembles no other in structure. While it is far from a household wordin most areas of North America, it is very popular with people of easternMediterranean, Near Eastern, and Far Eastern backgrounds. Our entire pomegranatecrop is produced in California, and much of this crop is exported. The pomegranatehas a short season, from October to January. Although they are also grownin the Southern Hemisphere, they are seldom imported during America's off-season.
Pomegranates grow on trees, and the round, bright, red-skinned fruits looklike Christmas tree ornaments when they reach full color. There are alsosome golden-yellow varieties, but these are not grown commercially. Mostof the ones grown in California are of a variety that is modestly calledWonderful. The skin of the pomegranate is leathery and parchmentlike in texture. The flesh is honeycombed with hundreds of ruby-red kernels,each chock full of juice and containing one rather firm but small, chewableseed. As with grape seeds, you can either chew them or discard them, butthey are quite chewy. While some may consider the seeds a nuisance, thefruit is very tasty and very juicy. It has a most refreshing tart-sweetflavor. It is almost as juicy as a citrus fruit and is often squeezed toyield its red juice, which is used to make grenadine syrup. Thisclaret colored juice is almost indelible. Long before the introduction ofpaper and ink, the ancient Egyptians used pomegranate juice to write onpapyrus. They also used it to dye fabrics.
Most adults don't have the time it takes to eat a pomegranate. However,to children the pomegranate is both a fruit and a toy. They are fascinatedby the jewel like kernels. Since the juice is almost indelible, it can createa most colorful mess if given to an unattended youngster. Pomegranates neednot be refrigerated, but refrigeration won't hurt and will extend theirshelf life.
WHEN TO BUY: At peak October and November
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Firm, colorful, not bruised fruit
HOW TO STORE: No refrigeration required
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