Top 5 Ways to Use Pomegranates

You may think that pomegranates are a modern day super-fruit, but folks have been treasuring these round red fruits through the millennia. Archaeological discoveries reveal that they were one of the first fruits to be cultivated, based on findings from Greek Neolithic settlements dating back to 6000 B.C. These precious fruits have served as traditional medicine for healing all manner of ailments, such as infections and indigestion. Pomegranates have even served as a celebratory food: In a Turkish wedding the bride throws down a pomegranate, and the number of seeds that spills out is said to predict how many children she will bear.

Beneath that leathery outer covering is a white, fleshy substance called albedo, and a translucent yellow membrane surrounding the ruby-colored arils (seeds surrounded by juice sacs). These arils are rich in antioxidant vitamin C, as well as bone-loving vitamin K, heart-healthy potassium and fiber, and blood-boosting iron. In particular, scientists are interested in pomegranate’s phytochemicals, which appear to protect the body against damaging free radicals. Phytochemicals include punicalagin, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and resveratrol—the same compound found in red wine. Preliminary studies suggest that it may be helpful in protecting against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. A recent study has even linked pomegranate juice to cognitive benefits.

So, what are you waiting for? Watch my helpful video on how to use pomegranates here and check out my Top 5 Ways to Use Pomegranates below.

Top 5 Ways to Use Pomegranates

1. Sprinkle Pomegranates Over Your Morning Cereal. There’s nothing that will boost your breakfast cereal bowl more than a ruby red crunch of pistachio arils!

2. Whiz Pomegranates into Your Smoothie. Get your red on by whizzing up a scarlet smoothie with pomegranate arils, pomegranate juice, and other ingredients, such as beets, carrots, and bananas.

3. Pair with Savory. The sweet-sour taste and gem-like appearance of pomegranate arils lets savory dishes shine. Case in point: these Veggie Balls served with Pomegranate Mandarin Sauce.

4. Toss It Up with Pomegranates. Pomegranate arils literally make any salad—vegetable, green, or whole grain—sparkle! Here’s one of my favorite pomegranates salad recipes.

5. Fill Up Your Fruit-Forward Dessert. The next time you’re whipping up a pie, crisp, or cobbler, throw in a few pomegranate arils with your apples or pears to add gorgeous flavor, texture, and color.

Get to know more about how to use plant foods in the following guides:

Top 5 Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds
Top 5 Ways to Use Quinoa
Top 5 Ways to Use Brown Rice
Top 5 Ways to Use Blackberries

For more recipes using pomegranates, try some of my favorites:

Pomegranate Rosemary Margarita
Dark Chocolate Rose Brownies with Pomegranates
Pomegranate Ginger Sparkler
Gingered Red Kuri Squash Soup with Pomegranates