Steeped in tradition, the pomegranate has re-emerged in a contemporary food culture, through its healthy anti-oxidant properties and its beauty on a plate.
The Hebrew for pomegranate “rimon" comes from the Latin "pomum" and "granatus" or "grained apple" and belongs to the family of myrtle trees.
It has been grown all over the Middle East for thousands of years and it is referenced in the old testament, for the promised land was to be one of "wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees and pomegranates" Deuteronomy 8:8
The pomegranate is also known as a symbol of righteousness as it is believed to have 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 commandments of the Torah and it is listed as one of the seven species of fruits belonging to the Israel. On Rosh Hashona, it is therefore tradition to eat the pomegranate, a fruit representing fruitfulness, knowledge and wisdom in the coming year, despite some scholars believing this was the 'the forbidden fruit' in the garden of Eden.
This beautiful fruit has also believed to have had medicinal properties and claims to be effective in the fight against high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer. It is good source of natural fibre, iron and vitamins A, C and E and could be considered by some to be a 'superfood'.
It is widely used in Middle Eastern dishes, adding sweet flavour, rich red beauty and a majestic presence to each and every dish.
bulgar wheat salad with pinenuts & pomegranate jewels
250g bulgar wheat
juice & zest of 1 lemon
bunch of flat leaf parsley & bunch of coriander
100g pinenuts, toasted
kernels from 1 x pomegranate
salt & pepper
place the bulgar wheat in a bowl, cover with boiling water & cover tightly with cling film
leave for 15-20 minutes until all the water has been soaked up
drizzle over some olive oil, the zest and juice of the lemon & season with salt & pepper, mix it all through with a fork
coarsely chop the flat leaf parsley and coriander, add to the bulgar wheat with the toasted pinenuts and mix evenly
add the pomegranate kernels for taste and beauty....