US: red, sweet pomegranates are Winter treat

This year the hot items the kids want for Christmas are the Xbox, the Amazing Amanda doll and the Talking Kitchen. There is another hot item on the market. It’s not a toy; it’s a fruit ... it’s the pomegranate.

Maybe you didn’t know what the pomegranate was when you saw it in the market. It’s bright red in color and it resembles a large grapefruit. Maybe you didn’t buy one because you didn’t know what you could do with it.

There are many things to do with pomegranates. We are accustomed to seeing this tropical fruit used whole or cut in half in Christmas wreaths and table decorations. We’re not as familiar with how good they are to eat.

There are many reasons for learning how to use pomegranates as food. They are good eating and they have good nutrition. Pomegranates have a large amount of antioxidants, those substances that can possibly delay aging, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. They are very rich in potassium. People who take diuretics are always looking for a good potassium food and here is one such food. Pomegranates have almost as much potassium as bananas.

Once you have bought a pomegranate, the big question is how do you get into it. First, slice off the crown end. Score the red skin into sections. Inside it has sections similar to a grapefruit. Break these sections open in a bowl of water. Roll out the arils (the juice sacs around the edible seed) with your fingers. The arils will sink in the water; the white membrane will float on top. Drain off the water by pouring the arils into a strainer.

The question always comes up, do you eat the seeds? Yes, they are edible. Once you get the knack of eating the pomegranate, you are unaware that you are eating seeds. The seeds provide fiber, which enhances the nutritional quality of the fruit.

One of the most delightful ways to use a pomegranate is in muffins. The following recipe could be a nice surprise for Christmas morning breakfast.

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