Pomegranates

Fall

In Season: Pomegranates

Just as the holiday madness begins to come around, so do fresh pomegranates.

Just as the holiday madness begins to come around, so do fresh pomegranates. Enjoying these tart, tannic red globes, with their garnet-hued, jewel-like arils, is a festive way to celebrate the end of the year. Want to know more about buying, preparing, and enjoying pomegranates? Then read on.

taste test

Taste Test: Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolates

Despite the fact that Valentine's Day has passed, my brain is still in a chocolate state of mind.

Despite the fact that Valentine's Day has passed, my brain is still in a chocolate state of mind. I've eaten a lot of chocolate lately, so when I received a pouch of assorted Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolates, I was eager to try them.

At 60 percent cacao, Hershey's Extra Dark falls somewhere in between the brand's iconic Special Dark, which is only 45 percent cacao, and its newer Cacao Reserve, which has 65 percent cacao. Hershey's describes Extra Dark as a "velvety smooth, rich dark chocolate" with "just the right balance of taste, aroma, and sweetness," and has been touting it as a healthy source of antioxidants. The chocolates come in a slew of flavors, including raspberry, blueberry, cranberry and almond, pomegranate, and cranberry macadamia. To hear what Party and I thought of the different flavors, read more

recipes

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Pomegranate Jelly

Our 12 Days of Edible Gifts continues with a juicy homemade jelly.

Our 12 Days of Edible Gifts continues with a juicy homemade jelly. I used to think that jams and jellies took hours to can, but I'm glad I realized was wrong. This recipe for pomegranate jelly takes only 15 minutes of active time, and costs under $10 to make. Most importantly, it's a heartfelt gift. Turn the jelly into a pretty package by using a festive ribbon to tie the container together with a few baguettes and a cloth napkin. To make your own pomegranate jelly this holidayread more

Appetizers

Tart and Sweet Pomegranate-Mango Guacamole

I love avocados especially in the form of a chunky, flavorful guacamole.

I love avocados especially in the form of a chunky, flavorful guacamole. When I found a recipe that included one of my favorite Fall fruits, pomegranate seeds, I was thrilled! I served this colorful and simple guacamole with tortilla chips, but it would be a great addition to tacos and delicious on grilled pork. Each bite of this guacamole is perfectly balanced. The texture of the creamy avocado is offset by the spicy serrano chili. The juicy and sweet mango contrasts with the occasional burst of crunchy and tart pomegranate seeds. If you want to enjoy this scrumptious, distinctive guacamole, read more

News

For Red Mango and Pinkberry, It's Pomegranate War

Last Thursday, frozen yogurt chain Red Mango announced that it would be partnering with pomegranate juice pioneer, POM Wonderful, to debut its first new flavor, Pomegranate by POM Wonderful.

Last Thursday, frozen yogurt chain Red Mango announced that it would be partnering with pomegranate juice pioneer, POM Wonderful, to debut its first new flavor, Pomegranate by POM Wonderful.

But someone else had the same idea: Red Mango's biggest rival, cult favorite Pinkberry. New York magazine's food blog first reported that the rival chain's pomegranate flavor is slated to hit stores Nov. 21, one week after Red Mango's, and a Pinkberry rep confirmed with us the release of the new flavor.

This pomegranate battle isn't the first time that Pinkberry and Red Mango have gone head to head, and it certainly won't be the last. While the two chains may not be thrilled with the news, I'll be excited to conduct a taste-off. Will you do the same?

Source, Source, and Source

recipes

Taste Autumn With a Colorful Salad

I know I just said that I don't eat the seeds of pomegranates, but after the vast majority of you said "Why bother?"

I know I just said that I don't eat the seeds of pomegranates, but after the vast majority of you said "Why bother?" I proceeded to give it another try. Guess what? It's not so bad — it lends a textural crunch and grittiness that needs some getting used to, but I'm starting to like it.

I decided to embrace the seeds by tossing together a simple and straightforward Fall fruit salad. The result was a brilliantly-colored melange of persimmons, pomegranates, onions, and spinach with an equally bright flavor profile. To get excited for the season, read more

Poll

Do You Eat the Seeds of Pomegranates?

A coworker and I recently got into a discussion about eating pomegranates.

A coworker and I recently got into a discussion about eating pomegranates. I grew up eating the juicy pulp surrounding each pomegranate seed, and then spitting out its remains, but she loves eating the entire seed and can't imagine going through the hassle of spitting them out. What about you?

Wine

Yummy Links: From Vintage McDonald's to Pomegranates

A blast from the past: the first McDonald's commercial.

Photo by Kathryn Hill

salads

Fall Into Salads: Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, and Walnuts

Today is the first official day of Fall, and it's finally time to put away those light Summer recipes and start using Fall's favorites!

Today is the first official day of Fall, and it's finally time to put away those light Summer recipes and start using Fall's favorites! Over the weekend, I combined butternut squash and pomegranate to make a scrumptious, hearty salad. With the creamy squash, crisp pomegranate seeds, and tart roasted-walnut vinaigrette, each bite was perfectly balanced. This salad is simple, but requires a little time to prepare the squash. It makes a delicious side or vegetarian meal. Next time I plan on heating the dressing, so when I pour it over the salad the lettuce will wilt. If you want to add this salad to your first Fall feast, read more

taste test

Taste Test: POMx Iced Coffee

Pomegranates may have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that the fruit took off with the launch of pomegranate drinks such as POM Wonderful.

Pomegranates may have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that the fruit took off with the launch of pomegranate drinks such as POM Wonderful. Suddenly, the ubernutritious specimen became the world's hottest fruit. Its tart, brambly flavor began appearing in everything from cocktails to salad dressing. When I heard POM had developed a coffee drink, I had to find out what the hype was about. Did this beverage have pomegranate juice mixed in with its coffee? As it turns out, POMx Iced Coffee contains pomegranate extract for its antioxidant benefits, but no actual pomegranate juice. The 10-ounce drink, which is currently only available on the East Coast, comes in two flavors, café au lait and chocolate, and costs $2.99. The drink contains Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee, fat-free milk, and organic cane sugar. To find out my impressions of the drink, read more