As we cruise toward our inevitable date with the Winter Solstice, fresh produce is starting to feel like a faded memory. The tomatoes are anemic, and the lettuce has jetlag. But the pomegranate harvest has just begun. And this ancient fruit can add a zest to your food that’s fresh as a daisy.
The bright red orbs dangle like Christmas tree ornaments from their bushy trees. Native to Central Asia, some historians believe them to be the originally sinful fruit of the biblical Tree of Knowledge. In modern times, pomegranate trees have adapted to the warm edges of temperate climates around the world, as they are tolerant to high heat and low precipitation, are easy to grow, and can produce huge crops. This adaptability, coupled with growing demand for the fruit, has caused a surge in pomegranate trees being planted. Pom orchards are replacing apple orchards in parts of India that are now too hot for apple growing.
