Pomegranates are both unique and nutritious

In the grocery store aisle, you may see a fruit about the size of an apple, with a brilliant ruby red exterior. It may seem an odd fruit, with its leathery appearance, and apple-like size. But what is it and what do you do with it? Do you eat it—if so, how? Do you decorate with it? Do you just admire it for its brilliant color and shape?

I am talking about the pomegranate, thought to have originated in Persia and the SubHimalayan foothills of Northern India. It now is produced at a commercial scale in the Mediterranean regions.

This fruit is so unique because instead of eating the bitter, spongy, white membrane inside the pomegranate, it is the tiny seeds, called arils, inside which are eaten. Each aril is a delicious sac of juice that surrounds an edible seed. The arils range in colors from pink to dark red.

Pomegranates are not only delicious and beautiful, they are also nutritious. They are considered to be high in vitamin C and potassium, a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in smooth digestion and bowel movements, and low in calories. In fact, one-half cup of arils is about 80 calories, but contains 5 grams of fiber. The fruit is also a good source of vitamin-C, which helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents by boosting immunity. Researchers found that regular consumption of pomegranates to be effective against prostate cancer, diabetes and lymphoma.

To choose ripe pomegranates, look for a well-developed, firm, bright crimson red fruit that feels heavy for its size. The heavier it feels, the juicier it will be. Avoid spotted, overly mature fruits as they can be bitter and inedible. Avoid those with surface cracks, mold, bruises, or shriveled skin, as they are inferior in flavor. Once home from the market, store them in a dark place at a cool room temperature for 5-8 days or more. In general, pomegranates possess a long shelf life. You can also put them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Follow a three-step method to retrieving the arils. First, cut off the “crown,” then score the outer layer of the skin into sections. Second, place the pomegranate in a large bowl of water and, working underwater, break apart the sections along the score lines. Roll out the arils with your fingers. The arils will sink to the bottom while the white membrane floats to the top. Third, strain out the water. The arils are ready to eat and to enjoy their juicy goodness. You can purchase the arils without the shell, but the cost is pricey.

Fresh arils placed in an airtight container will keep for a few days in the refrigerator. If you choose to freeze them, freeze in single layers on trays; then package in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Remove only the arils that you plan to use at the time.

There are many uses for the Pomegranate arils. They make an attractive garnish on salads and dishes; can be made into juice for drinking or to use later in preparing soups, jellies, sorbets and sauces as well as to flavor cakes, baked apples and other desserts. Pomegranate concentrate is a popular ingredient used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes.

Add pomegranate to your grocery list to purchase next time you shop and add it to your fruit bowl. It will not only add color, it will be a delightful nutritious treat.

For more information, contact the Miller County Extension Office, 870779-3609 or visit us in room 215 at the Miller County Courthouse. We’re online at chadley@uaex.edu, on Facebook at UAEXMillerCountyFCS/ CarlaHaleyHadley, on Twitter @ MillerCountyFCS or on the web at uaex. edu/Miller

Experiment with pomegranates in this Pear and Pomegranate Salad with Warm Dressing. The combination of the sweet pear and tart pomegranate seeds work nicely together adding color, crunch, and flavor.

PEAR AND POMEGRANATE SALAD WITH WARM DRESSING

6 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed and torn 2 Bartlett or Anjou pears 2/3 cup pomegranate seeds 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey ground black pepper to taste

Add rinsed and torn lettuce to serving bowl. Halve, core and dice the pears. Add pears and pomegranate seeds to the bowl and toss lightly.

Combine the olive oil, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, mustard, honey and pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the dressing thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Pour the warm dressing over the salad and serve immediately.