The Forgiving Pomegranate
After getting to sample some POM, and reading about the great pomegranate buzz they created in the blogosphere, I finally broke down and bought a whole pomegranate fruit when I spotted the organic ones on sale … oh about 2 months ago. Two months ago? Yes, so why in the world would I be blogging about it now? Um, perhaps because I didn’t actually use it until today.
Yes, I confess, I watched that bright red bulb shrivel and dull … my creative juices just weren’t flowing and I truly had no idea what to do with the thing. But last night, as I finally cleaned out the fridge, I knew that fruit could stay in there no longer. Expecting the worst, I cut into it, only to discover brilliant bright red seeds inside that decrepit peel.
Now that is a protective coating! I had not expected to blog about the pomegranate here as it is a rather pricey fruit, but when I discovered how many of those wonderful fruity seeds lie within a single pomegranate, it looked like a deal! I did get mine on sale for $1.50, and they seem to more often be $2 or $2.5o, but even so, the seeds add such delight to recipes (seriously, have you ever had pomegranate champagne with those seeds? OMG!) and so little is needed that a single pomegranate goes a longs ways.
If you do purchase one (trust me, they are much less intimidating than they seem!), definitely read some instructions on how to cut them open – it will make your life easier trust me. I couldn’t find the instructions I used again (lost in the internet somewhere!) but here is Elise’s over at Simply Recipes. I actually deseeded them in the bowl of water, which kept me from getting squirted with any of the bright red juice (yes, no stained clothes!). I noticed Elise doesn’t do this, but I recommend it.
My first pomegranate seed dish wasn’t adventurous to say the least, but it was delicious. I actually threw the seeds right into my blender – it isn’t a powerful one, so I was left with very crunchy seeds in my smoothie, which I liked but want to warn you about – with my simple favorite breakfast blend, a banana smoothie/shake.
If you like your smoothies drinkable rather than spoonable (I like them thick!) then I recommend using pomegranate juice (bottled, or squeezed from your little seeds), so that you don’t end up with crunch little seeds. Maybe you Vitamix people can pulverize the seeds, but my $15 hamilton beach can’t!
Either way, the seeds taste very similar to sweetened cranberry juice to my taste buds, and make a perfect addition to the ordinary breakfast smoothie for a sweet (yet unsweetened) treat that goes down easy!
Good Morning Pom-Banana Smoothie
- 1/4 Cup Pomegranate Seeds or Pomegranate Juice, plus additiona pom seeds for topping
- 1 Large Frozen, Ripe Banana
- Vanilla Milk Alternative (I usually start with about 3/4 cup and add more as needed; I used unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze)
- 2 Tablespoons Protein Powder (unflavored or vanilla – I used plain, unflavored egg white protein powder, which makes it nice and creamy)
Blend the 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds or juice and all remaining ingredients in your blender until nice and smooth. I use a lesser amount of milk alternative for a thick spoonable shake-style smoothie, but you can add more. Just note that those uber-crunch seeds may not fully blend! Top with some additional seeds for taste and asthetics.
Yields 1 easy-on-the-early-morning-tummy breakfast
13 thoughts on “The Forgiving Pomegranate”
that looks yummy!!!
I guess I can now admit I left my pomegranate in the refrigerator for at least a month before using it. Like you I expected the worst but was pleasantly surprised by the perfect fruit inside. I used mine in a fruit salad but they taste great wherever you put them – even whole seeds in hummus. Your smoothie looks delicious – thick is how I like them, too!
Oh this is yummy! I made a banana pom smoothie when I got to try the juice, too!
When I opened my first one I didn’t look up anything and it ended up a royal mess! I love the under water tip. Also, I’ve seen on Food Network and my chef brother just turning the cut part upside down and tapping hard on the skin w/ a spoon, the seeds release and fall due to gravity – haven’t tried that one, though!
They are so pretty, aren’t they?
I adore pomegranates! I’ve never even thought to put mine in the fridge–just leave it in the fruit bowl on the counter–which usually works as I can’t resist eating it fairly quickly. But I must let you know that they’re not as forgiving out of the fridge–four to five days at most! The smoothie looks great. 🙂
Pomegranates seeds are so great–love the color and flavor they add to most anything. Glad you got the seeds out under water. I learned that trick earlier this year and love how easy and clean it is! 😉
That smoothie looks super creamy and delicious. I usually buy my pomegranates from the dudes on the street, so they are pretty cheap (sometimes as little as $1 depending on the season!). What a perfect use for them.
What a pretty beverage! I love that POM flavoring. Glad something so delicious is good for ya 😉
It is so true, once you open your first pomegranate it’s like crossing a huge hurtle! I started using fresh poms about a year ago. I always get excited when I see them in the store. I feel like I am cheating if I buy the seeds all ready taken out of their shell. Yummy shake here. I posted one too this winter you might like: http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/blog/2009/11/27/pomegranate-coconut-shake-with-roasted-cacao-nibs/
xxoo
Btw: it is pretty hideous if a pom splashes u in the face. Like out of a horror movie!
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