There are certain items that show up in the grocery store in December that tell me Christmas is soon here. For many oranges bring back fond memories of Christmas stockings. While I never received fruit in my stockings, it was a common practice to those in my parents generation. Beautiful, large firm oranges were often placed in the toe of stockings at Christmas time.
Today when I see those beautiful red pomegranates stacked in boxes at my grocery store, I think Christmas can't be far off. Pomegranates are a fairly new, abundant and readily available fruit found in American grocery stores. While they first originated in Middle Eastern countries, because of their need for arid, warm weather, they are also produced in Arizona and California.
Pomegranates are about the size of a large orange, are firm and have a red leathery skin. Inside they contain hundreds of small seeds filled with tart juice. The seeds are high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin C. While they can be a challenge to peel and remove the seeds, pomegranates are well worth the effort. For instruction on how to peel and remove seeds, see the following site: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/pomegranate.html
The seeds and white pith can both be eaten, but I prefer just the seeds. Here is a recipe you may want to try this holiday season.
Pomegranate, Orange, Papaya, and Kiwi Green Salad
1-1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
1-1/2 quarts mixed greens
2 oranges, peeled and sliced
2 medium papayas, peeled and sliced
4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 medium pomegranate, seeded (about 3/4 cup)
To make dressing, combine vinegar and next three ingredients; whisk in oil. Toss greens with 2-1/2 tablespoons dressing; arrange on a serving platter. Alternate orange, papaya, and kiwi slices over greens. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.
Serves 6.
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