Pomegranate season has begun. I’m seeing them everywhere at the farmer’s markets. Pomegranates are usually in season from October through January. Native to Persia and cultivated in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, pomegranates are becoming the newest trendy fruit in the US — grown mostly in Southern California to be sold as pomegranate juice to health conscious consumers. Pomegranate juice isn’t the only way to incorporate the high anti-oxidants and other health benefits of the fruit into your diet. While they are in season as fresh whole fruits, try some of these delicious recipes that include the tangy sweet and sour pomegranate to zest up your meal. You can also juice them fresh, or be creative and add them as a garnish to salads, drinks, deserts, dips and guacamole’s etc.

Pomegranate Jelly

Chunky Orange and Pomegranate Marmalade

Pomegranate Infused Vodka Spritzer

Prickly Pear and Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate, Beet, and Blood Orange Salad

Arugula Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Pecans

Arugula, Fennel, Apple, Mandarin Orange, and Pomegranate Salad