Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
In season from March to July, pomegranates are packed full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.
Considered by many as a modern-day superfood, pomegranates have been consumed in the Middle East, India and China for centuries.
Thought to have originated in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, pomegranates are now grown in many countries including Australia.
They are a symbol of fertility, abundance and sanctity while in Buddhist art, pomegranates represent favourable influences and in Persian mythology, Isfandiyar eats the fruit and becomes invincible.
When buying pomegranates, choose the heavier fruit – a sign that the arils are bursting with juice making them just right for eating or juicing. The skin should be uniform in colour and avoid fruit with cracks in the rind or heavy bruising.
Pomegranates can be stored for up to two weeks, refrigerated in an air-tight container.
To freeze the arils, separate from any white membrane and lay on baking paper. Cover with another sheet of baking paper and freeze for two hours. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to one year.
Pomegranates are low in calories and fat, but high in fibre, vitamins and minerals with health benefits including antioxidants, heart and urinary health and exercise endurance.
Here are three recipes to make the most of fresh pomegranates in your cooking this week:
Ten minutes is all you need to prepare these easy chicken drumsticks. Packed with freshness and sweetness, it's a flavourful dinner everyone will love.
This Turkish-style lamb pizza is a tasty twist for your next pizza night. Loaded with seasoned lamb mince and topped with beetroot hummus and pomegranates, it’s a flavour sensation.
Juicy pork meets tangy pomegranate in this no-cook, protein-packed salad that's ready in a flash. Using hot roast pork from the supermarket deli, a healthy and delicious dinner is at your fingertips.
