In Season: Pomegranate

Pomegranate photo by Shai Barzilay via Flickr/Creative Commons

Stepping into a big box grocery store, it’s easy to think that all produce grows all year round—but that’s hardly the case. In this series, we’ll highlight one in-season produce pick a week.

Pomegranates

Nutrition: Beneath their leathery skin, pomegranates hold dozens of seeds plump with dietary fibers, powerful antioxidants, and vitamins B and C.

Why that matters: While their fibers aid in smooth digestion, the many antioxidants and vitamins in pomegranates help boost immunity and defend against disease. As a bonus, the fruit may help lower cholesterol and improve circulation.

Where to find it: While you’re likely to spot whole pomegranates at health food grocers and farmers’ markets, the seeds are also typically sold pre-packaged at grocery stores.

Five pomegranate recipes:

1. Pomegranate-Glazed Acorn Squash
via The Food Network

This easy-to-prepare fall recipe only uses a few ingredients, but packs in enough vitamins and healthy fats for a full meal. Freely top with mint or cinnamon for extra flavor.

2. Butternut Squash, Kale, and Pomegranate Pizza
via Half Baked Harvest

Give pizza night a makeover with this produce-packed pie. The recipe calls for caramelizing the butternut squash with butter and sugar, but oven-roasting them would work just as well and pack on fewer calories.

3. Pomegranate-Mango Guacamole
via Pop Sugar

Mixing three nutrient-packed fruits—avocados, pomegranates, and mangos—yields a colorful companion to whole-wheat tortilla chips or fish tacos. This recipe adds spicy serrano chili to complement its sweeter flavors.

4. Roasted Brussell Sprouts with Pomegranate
via The Food Network

This dish uses vanilla bean and pecans to liven up a heart-healthy classic. Replace some of the butter with olive oil or coconut oil to cut out any extra saturated fat.

5. Fesenjan (Pomegranate Chicken)
via Minimalist Baker

This traditional Persian recipe of stew-like chicken and walnuts makes for a hearty but healthy comfort food as the weather grows colder. Pour it over brown rice or quinoa to bring out the pomegranate’s unexpected crunch.