Today I'm talking pomegranate.
There are SO many pomegranate flavored things in the world- pomegranate martinis, pomegranate lotions and lip balms- but have you ever had just a pomegranate fruit?
It took them being on sale for 99 cents at Aldi for me to try one. I got home, cut it open, and then...was clueless. Do I slice it up? How do you get the seeds out? Do you eat the seeds?!
In case you've never had a pomegranate- and you SHOULD!- I posted a quick tutorial video on my YouTube channel. So, why am I so adamant that you try one? First and foremost, they are delicious. I love the juicy crunchiness of the seeds (technically called 'arils'). To me they taste a bit like cranberries- tangy but flavorful. Beyond just eating the seeds as a snack, they are an excellent source of antioxidants.
Heeeeere's where I'm going to put that Master's degree of mine to work. What is an antioxidant? You've probably heard of them and associate them with being something that's good for you. Correct! An antioxidant can curb oxidation- which is a chemical reaction in our body that can cause cellular damage. Vitamin C and vitamin E are some of the most common examples of antioxidants.
You've probably seen supplements labeled as antioxidants. Before you plunk down your cash, know that there is no research that supports antioxidant supplements as actually doing anything to prevent disease or slow down the aging process. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamin C and E rich foods will ALWAYS be more effective than popping supplements. There's a lot more on that, but we'll save that for a rainy day.
Back to our friend, the pomegranate: how else can you enjoy it? One of my go-to fridge foods this time of year is something we call "fruit sauce." I need a better name for it. While he was helping me cook it, my oldest suggested "Magic sauce, because you can't believe how delicious it is!" Alright then, buddy. Full of antioxidant sources (blueberries! Cranberries! Pomegranate!), it's super versatile. Top your whole grain waffles with it. Stir it in with yogurt or oatmeal. Eat it plain, like we do 99% of the time! Just get to openin' that pomegranate and try it, ok?
(Yes, he definitely sampled some!)
Magic Fruit Sauce
2 granny smith apples, peeled and diced
1 bag whole cranberries, rinsed
1 1/2 cups frozen unsweetened blueberries
1 1/3 cup water
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
1 seeded pomegranate
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, cranberries, blueberries, 1 1/3 cup water, and sugar. Stir until mixture begins to bubble, about 10 minutes.
Stir together cornstarch and water in a small dish. Add to bubbling fruit. Stir around until mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then stir in pomegranate arils. Place in resealable jars and refrigerate. Fruit sauce keeps for up to 10 days.
Makes about 4 cups total. Per 1/2 cup serving: 90 calories, 22 grams carbohydrates