Pomegranate is a fruit that has infinite possibilities, which makes it a perfect ingredient for people with creative minds (like you?) who like to experiment in the kitchen and also enjoy eating.
If you are one of those people. Good! Because in this post we are going to tell you how to make the most of the pomegranate fruit in your recipes.
But let us start with the fruit as such, because to be a ‘cook’ of level, the first step is to know well what we have in our hands.The pomegranate is a really interesting fruit whose origin is in the Middle East, in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and ancient Persia. Like so many other foods, it was brought to Spain by the Arabs. The pomegranate, or magrana, as it is called in the Valencian Community, is located in the Mediterranean arc, mainly in the province of Alicante.
As with everything in agriculture, their quality depends on several factors, including variety, and there are many, many varieties. In fact, being such an ancient crop, it has a great genetic diversity.
The particularities of the varieties are noticeable in the fruit, in its size and formation, but above all in its coloration. We talk about the four most common varieties of pomegranate.
The famous Mollar de Elche variety
It has arils (this is the name given to the grains of the pomegranate) of a lighter pink color, however, it has a very sweet flavor. Its external color is yellowish with some pinkish touches.
The Wonderful variety
It has very bright pink arils, but its flavor incorporates a more acidic touch, so it is mostly used for juice.
The Valencian variety
It has a yellowish skin with pinkish touches, similar to the Mollar, however its grains have a more vivid pink color, and it is also very sweet.
The Acco variety
It is another of the most commercialized. The fruit is bright pink and its arils are sweet and pleasant to eat, as the seed is semi-soft.
At Peris we look for a good combination of color and sweetness. In our pomegranate fourth range (IV range) tubs, the arils are the protagonists and we consider that an attractive color contributes to the purchase decision, however, that is not everything. Sweetness is something that the consumer also expects in this type of fruit and we also take this into account in the selection of our pomegranate varieties.
Benefits and properties of pomegranate
When you eat any of the delicious recipes you can prepare with pomegranate, know that you will be giving your body a good injection of two very important vitamins.
Pomegranate is a source of vitamin K, which contributes to normal blood clotting and to the maintenance of normal bones.
Pomegranate is also a source of vitamin C, perfect for its contribution to the normal formation of collagen, something that favors bones and skin, among other benefits. It also participates in the normal functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It also helps reduce fatigue and improves iron absorption. To name just a few of its main benefits.
11 ways to use pomegranate in your recipes
To be able to use this fruit in your recipes, we are going to give you a good trick for the first step: how to peel a pomegranate.
In this video we tell you how the easiest process to shelling a pomegranate is. It’s how we do it in the clean room when we prepare our Frutifresh and Peris pomegranate tubs. The format of pomegranate already shelled is perfect for you to enjoy this delicious fruit very easily.
Pomegranate is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes to add flavor and color. Below you will find an extensive list of different ways to use pomegranate in your culinary preparations. And if you want
specific pomegranate recipes, you can check out this selection
prepared with our pre-prepared pomegranate by chef Martín Sánchez, from the Restaurant El Mosaic in Meliana.
Pomegranate in salads:
Add pomegranate arils to your salads to give them a touch of sweetness and color. This fruit also combines very well with ingredients such as spinach, nuts, avocado, feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.
Sauces with pomegranate:
Pomegranate is an ideal fruit if you want to prepare a sauce with a sweet and sour touch. It will be perfect to accompany roasted meats, white meats and even fish.
3. Desserts with pomegranate:
As a decoration, and also to add a refreshing and crunchy touch, pomegranate seeds will look great in cakes, pies, custards or ice cream.
4. Shakes and smoothies:
Add pomegranate to your shakes and smoothies to give them a touch of flavor and color.
5. Juices and slushies:
Squeeze a pomegranate to obtain a delicious juice. If you add crushed ice, you can turn it into a slushie in no time.
6. Healthy topping:
Use pomegranate arils to decorate and add flavor contrast to foods such as cheeses, hummus, guacamole, tabbouleh, burritos and even casseroles.
7. Jam or compote:
Cook pomegranate seeds or pomegranate arils with sugar and spices to make a delicious jam.
8. Perfect ingredient with yogurt:
Pomegranate and yogurt are perfect companions, you can consume them as a healthy snack, breakfast or lunch. If you incorporate other ingredients, such as garlic and herbs, this combination is also ideal as a sauce to accompany meat, vegetables or fish.
9. Add it to the porridge recipe:
The traditional porridge perfectly accepts pomegranate as one of its ingredients, giving it a refreshing and sweet touch with a touch of acid.
10. Cocktails with pomegranate:
Pomegranate juice is perfect to add a touch of flavor and color to your alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails.
11. Vinaigrette with fruit:
Use pomegranate juice as a base for a vinaigrette in your salads.
These are just a few ideas for using pomegranate in your recipes. Its sweet and sour flavor and crunchy texture make it an interesting ingredient in the kitchen, as it can be used in both sweet and savory preparations.
Experiment and discover how pomegranate can enrich your dishes!