The pomegranate is often considered an exotic fruit. An ancient symbol of hope, abundance, and fertility, pomegranates are also incredibly healthy. This gorgeous fruit is a super food that contains three types of antioxidant rich polyphenols, including tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid.
I grew up in California with a pomegranate tree in our backyard. If you’ve ever wondered how to eat a pomegranate, I can assure you, it is not as complicated as it looks. Every fall, we picked the ripest fruits off the tree. How can you tell when a pomegranate is ripe? A good, ripe pomegranate will feel heavy and full of juice. The skin color can vary from medium red to deep red and often the skin of the fruit will actually begin to crack because the inside is literally bursting with seeds.
We used to sit in our backyard and eat pomegranate seeds straight from the fruit. A fun and messy project, we plucked the seeds from the fruit using our teeth. We made sure to wear old clothes that could get dirty since juices of the pomegranate can stain.
Now when we eat pomegranates, I buy them whole from the store, bring them home and get to work on them while wearing an apron. First, I cut the fruit in half. Then I submerge it in a bowl of water and pry apart the fruit into sections. After that I pick the seeds from the yellow interior skin of the fruit. Doing this underwater keeps the red juices from splattering all over your kitchen. When you’re done, keep the seeds and discard the yellow membrane.
Pomegranate Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine arugula and pomegranate seeds
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar
- Toss and serve
Equipment
This super simple Paleo Rosh Hashanah salad is amazing during the High Holidays, but also fabulous at other times of year. It is best made just before serving so that it is very fresh. Let the sweet tartness of the pomegranate seeds enhance the bitter taste of the greens in this festive and bountiful salad.
Here are some other easy paleo salad recipes for you!
miriam says
Elana, shana tova,
You bring such joy through your recipes, i know you will be enscribed in the book of life and i wish you and your family good health and happiness.
I have one question…..i have made several of your recipes—-i usually cut them in half—it’s just me and my husband. i’m finding that the agave nectar browns quickly. would you reccommend that i reduce the oven temperature and the time? what allowance would you make? i’ve even covered the muffins and biscotti, but they still burn.
thanks,
miriam
Elana says
Miriam -I would recommend purchasing an oven thermometer from a hardware or baking store. I am wondering if your oven might be baking at a higher temperature than it says on the oven dial. On the other hand, as you mention it could be that you are cutting the recipes in half which may alter the necessary baking time. I would recommend experimenting with this; please let us know your findings. Shana Tova.
glutenfreeforgood says
I love the idea of a simple salad like this. The pomegranate seeds make it special. What a creative combination. Beautiful photo, by the way. :-)
Take care,
Melissa
elana says
Shari -Thanks so much for your sweet comment and support!
Ya’ara -Shana Tova!
ya'ara says
A beautiful post, and a beautiful photo.
I to tend to think (a lot) during this time of the year..
I wish you and your family a happy rosh hashana,
and good luck with this new move!
Ya’ara
Shari says
Elana,
Wishing you all the best in the New Year. Thank you for all the sweetness of this last one!
many blessings,
Shari
elana says
Lesley -Thanks, today was their first day and it seems that they are off to a good start.
Courtney -Thanks for your lovely comment, I really appreciate it.
Mariella -That situation sounds challenging, I appreciate your sharing it with me, I know we’ll get through this!
Shirley -Thanks for sharing my site with the support group and for your feedback that parents know what is best for their children.
Heidi -Thanks for sharing your story; I’m glad that decision was a good one and I hope ours will work out as well!
lifeinrecipes says
Your salad is gorgeous and redolent of the season. Happy New Year.
Shirley says
I really enjoy your wonderfully simple recipes. Just last week I shared your site with the support group I lead, especially for Rosh Hoshanah recipes. BTW, I checked out the link to the chicken salad with almonds also. Yummmm.
Courtney says
Hello Elana,
You can tell so much about someone by their interaction with food. Preparing Food is an act of Love and the way we partake has so much to do with our outside influences. Once I gained triumph over my eating disorder, I was able to experience love and enjoyment through the thing that scared me most… food. For most of us, our food will always have a story behind it. I am reading your blog while eating my breakfast, an egg sandwich, and I am reminded of how my mother made the best egg sandwich. She was not the greatest mother on earth, but I cannot focus on a negative thought regarding her while I am partaking of this special meal.
Lesley Prince says
I love your family remarks – after all food, family, love and tradition are all part of life’s fabric. I’m a fan of all things pomegranate, too. Thank you for your fine recipes and Happy Holidays to you and your family.