Written by: Danielle Maina
Of all seasonal produce, fall’s is undoubtedly my favorite. There is just something so beautiful in the color and the earthy vibe of fall’s picks of the season. But there is one fruit in particular that sticks out in my mind when I think of fall: pomegranates.
Beautifully red in color, pomegranates are known for their embedded seeds (can be bought separately), which can be quite a mess taking out (but I’ll provide a squeaky clean trick to remove the suckers at the end). Pomegranate seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C. They also contain high levels of vitamin K, which supports bone health and vitamin B5 that assists the body to metabolize protein, carbohydrates and fats.
If that was not enough to convince you, pomegranates possess minerals that are essential to the human body. They contain manganese, which helps in the formation of bone structures during the metabolic process, and potassium, which aids in maintaining cellular function and keep a balance in fluid levels. Pomegranates are also a great source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium.
While pomegranates are delightful to eat they have awesome health and beauty benefits. Some benefits include the regeneration of cells by protecting the epidermis and dermis, aiding the repair of tissues and encouraging circulation to the skin. Due to high levels of antioxidants, pomegranates help minimize the effects of free radicals in the blood. Other benefits include: the protection of cardiovascular health (pomegranate juice helps lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol to improve heart health), pomegranates improve bone quality, protects skin from the sun (preventing free radical damage which can cause sun damage), decrease inflammation, encourage blood circulation, aid in weight loss and so much more.
OK. WE GET IT Pomegranates are awesome but how the heck do I eat them?
The seeds can be eaten raw (which has a naturally delicious crunch), the seeds can be tossed in your favorite fall salad, sprinkled on top of yogurt, mixed in your morning bowl of steel cut oats, on top of waffles or pancakes, made into a sauce or jelly, thrown into your favorite winter alcoholic beverages or even topped on meats such as pork loins or lamb chops.
In season September-January, make sure to pick up these luscious fruits at a grocery market near you, and experiment with them over the holidays!
Squeaky-clean way to deseed pomegranates:
Removing the seeds from the pomegranate can be QUITE messy. Here is a clean way in doing so!
1. Grab a medium size bowl and fill it about ½-3/4 of the way full with lukewarm water.

2. Cut the pomegranate into 4 and drop the 4 pieces into the water.
3. Under the water, remove the seeds with your hands, letting them fall to the bottom and by letting the membranes float to the top.