A staple in Middle Eastern diets, pomegranate seeds are a great way to add some fun to your dishes. Best eaten between September and January, now is the perfect time to start scattering these juicy jewels across your plates.
High in Vitamin C and potassium, incorporating pomegranates into your diet lets you bring summer's brightness into Fall. What's more, the juice is high in antioxidants - containing three times as much as green tea - making it the perfect ingredient for your post-summer detox diet.
Pomegranate For Beginners
A good pomegranate should be heavy, as this means it's full of sweet juice and seeds. It can seem a little daunting at first, but de-seeding a pomegranate couldn't be easier!
Simply cut in half and bash on the back with a wooden spoon to release the ruby-colored gems. If you're worried about mess in your kitchen, you can submerge the fruit in the water while getting the seeds out.
Pomegranate seeds will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, and you can even freeze them. No need to defrost; just sprinkle straight over your food!
Benefits Of Pomegranate
Packed full of goodness, the pomegranate contains superpowers such as high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, and fiber. This means it is fantastic for your skin and hair, as well as aiding in bone health, weight loss, and stomach issues.
Let's check out some of the ways you can incorporate pomegranate into your beauty routine to see some amazing results.
Pomegranate Face Mask
As an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, pomegranate has amazing benefits for your skin, helping keep it hydrated as well as being anti-ageing.
As fall begins and you start to miss summer's glow, try this simple and effective face mask to brighten up your face.
Combine 3 tbsps of pomegranate seeds, 2 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp raw honey, and 1 cup of cooked oatmeal in a blender or food processor and apply to your face. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing gently with warm water.
Not only is this mask great for giving a moisture boost to dull and dehydrated skin, but it's also totally natural. The perfect way to brighten up a grey day.
Pomegranate Hair Mask
Pomegranate is high in punicic acid, meaning it improves your scalp health, strengthens hair follicles and encourages hair growth. Try this all-natural hair mask to give your locks a shot of moisture after a few too many days in the sun.
Combine ½ cup of yogurt, ½ cup of pomegranate seeds, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Apply to the hair, focusing on the scalp and the roots, and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry your hair as normal and prepare to be blown away by your new healthy, shiny locks!
Not just beneficial for your hair and skin, pomegranates are also delicious. Sharp, fresh, and sweet, pomegranate seeds add a spark to salads, breakfasts, and even meat dishes. Let's check out some of the best pomegranate recipes.
A Breakfast That's Pome-great
Looking to add some sparkle to your mornings? Prepare a granola bowl with some Greek yogurt and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds over the top. The magenta juice will mingle with the creamy yogurt, making a breakfast that's as insta-worthy as it is delicious!
Alternatively, you can stir some seeds through your oatmeal to add some tangy sweetness and an extra kick of Vitamin C.
Colour Explosion Salad
The juicy bite of pomegranate seeds goes exceptionally well with the velvety smoothness of soft cheeses. Try roasting some butternut squash - another fall favorite - with a sprinkle of cumin and building a salad with some iron-rich baby spinach, some crumbled goat cheese, and a final sprinkle pomegranate.
The wholesome colors of green and orange come together with Fuschia and bright white to make a salad treat for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Pink Guacamole
Why not try mixing some pomegranate seeds into your guac? They give a hint of sweet acidity that's similar to tomato but way more beautiful! A few chopped green chillis, a generous helping of lime juice, and a big bag of tortilla chips finish off this alternative movie snack.
Jewel Fruit Salad
Enjoy off the last of summer's fruits in a nutritious fruit salad. Chop up some juicy peaches and pears, mix with some raspberries and finish with a handful of pomegranate seeds for some added crunch. A scoop of cream or vanilla ice cream brings this simple dessert to celestial levels...
Brighten Up Your Beef
A must-do for any fans of Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe idea is inspired by Lebanese cooking.
Fry some beef mince with a diced white onion and plenty of cumin, chili, and paprika. Pick up some good hummus and spread a liberal amount into a big bowl before topping with the cooked mince and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Some warm pitta bread makes this the perfect sharing starter that will impress any dinner guest.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
As a side dish to the Lebanese beef, try this super easy cucumber salad. Chop a cucumber into medium-sized chunks and combine with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a generous helping of pomegranate seeds. You've got yourself a fresh and simple accompaniment to meat and fish dishes.
Pomegranate Pavlova
Pretty up your pavlova by replacing strawberries with pomegranate seeds. Their tangy crunch is a perfect pairing with the heady sweetness of the meringue and the smoothness of fresh cream.
This fall, brighten up your days with a pomegranate! Amazing for your hair and skin, and delicious across various dishes, there's virtually no downside to this fabulous fruit.
