It's always makes me happy when fresh pomegranates show up in the produce aisle at the grocery store. You can buy packaged pomegranate arils year-round now, but there's still something special _ and challenging _ about cracking open a ripe, juicy pomegranate.
Pomegranate season in the United States is October through January, so now is the time to make good use of this delicious superfood. Pomegranate arils get their vibrant red hue from polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. The arils also are good sources of vitamins C, E and K, as well as folate and potassium.
The POM Wonderful company (the largest producer of the Wonderful variety of pomegranates) always has good ideas for using the fruit, including this salad loaded with fall flavors. Find more recipes online at www.pomwonderful.com/recipes.
And while we are at it, here are instructions from POM Wonderful on the best way to open a pomegranate.
1. Cut: Cut off the top, about a half-inch from the crown.
2. Score: Once you remove the top, four to six sections of the pomegranate divided by white membrane will be visible. Score the skin along each section.
3. Open: Carefully pull the pomegranate apart over a bowl of water.
4. Loosen: Gently pry the arils loose using your thumbs. The plump, juicy seeds will sink to the bottom. Scoop away everything that floats to the top. Voila!
