How to eat pomegranates
Pomegranates add a distinctive exotic taste to everyday recipes. Read up on Good Food's favourite ways to prepare and eat this ruby red fruit.
This jewelled fruit is the perfect way to jazz up salads, desserts, drinks, marinades and more. Pomegranates are packed full of antioxidants and have been in demand in recent years as a result. To make sure you're picking the best of the bunch, look for fruit with a shiny, unblemished skin and no soft or bruised patches. Those that feel heavy for their size are likely to be the juiciest.
If you're craving a taste of the exotic on your plate, Good Food is here to show you how to use pomegranate juice and seeds in some mouth-watering meals.
Pomegranate pitchers
Pomegranate adds a wonderfully light, fruity element to any cocktail. If you fancy something pink and prosecco filled, try our pomegranate rosemary spritzer. This fruity drink is a unique mix of classic flavours and herby, savoury notes.
If you want to try some other pomegranate-inspired drinks, give these a go:
Pomegranate mojito mocktail
Pomegranate Pimm's
Sweet seeds
Pomegranate seeds add tasty texture and a visual flourish to your tarts, cakes and desserts. Our Seville meringue pie with pomegranate makes a spectacular seasonal treat. Cut through a sweet dessert with a fresh handful of these lush seeds.
If you're looking for some stunning sweets, try these:
Squidgy chocolate & pomegranate torte
Orange & pomegranate cheesecake
Magnificent marinades
A drizzle of pomegranate glaze or a brush of pomegranate molasses can liven up any standard dinner. Our pulled lamb shoulder is served with a pomegranate glaze that really makes the dish something special. An added layer of sweetness to any meat can never be a bad thing.
If you want to dress up a dish try:
Pomegranate dressing
Halloumi with tomatoes & pomegranate molasses
Salads and sides
Perfect for fruity couscous, Middle Eastern sides and Mediterranean salads, don't be afraid to reach for a handful of pomegranate seeds. For example, this herb salad with pomegranate & pistachios has a balance of tart red wine vinegar, sweet seeds, nuts and herbs that will be the star dish of any dinner table. Try it with lamb koftas and a feta-filled main.
Try these super salads:
Chicory, pomegranate & feta salad
Prawn, pomegranate & grapefruit salad
Baked beauties
Some of our all-time favourite party foods have pretty pink pomegranate seeds scattered on top. These aubergine & pomegranate flatbreads will be the healthiest thing on the party food table, and will be gone before you can say 'nibbles'. Simply bake up a standard flatbread and take it up a notch with this fruity veggie combo.
Try these delicious doughy creations:
Turkish pizza with spiced pomegranate, beef & feta
Turkish lamb flatbread
Succulent stews
There's nothing nicer as the nights draw in than a warming stew. This fruity lamb tagine is a super healthy one-pot you can serve with a fragrant couscous salad. It can be a fantastic way to pump up the vitamins in your midweek meal and pack your stew with texture and flavour.
Try another fruity stew:
Cheesy triumph
There are plenty of pomegranate and cheese combinations that bring out fabulous flavours in each. From salty halloumi to tangy feta, it's true that opposites attract. If you want a simple sharing plate that will disappear in minutes, try our creamy goat's cheese with chive & pomegranate. Just hand out the chunks of rustic bread and watch the plate empty.
Try these other cheesy delights:
Coriander-baked ricotta with pomegranate molasses
Herby quinoa, feta & pomegranate salad
Beautiful breakfasts
Birchers, smoothies and porridge can all be improved with a pinch of pomegranate. Our pistachio nut & spiced apple bircher muesli is topped off with a mix of nutmeg and pomegranate for a luscious, low-calorie start to the day.
Try our other breakfast recipes:
If you fancy some more tropical inspiration, check out our pomegranate collection.
What are your favourite pomegranate recipes? Let us know in the comments below...
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