A RAINBOW OF POMEGRANATES

I have enjoyed pomegranates for a few years. It's a yuletide treat that seems to have a longer season than ever. But when my friend served me a golden pomegranate, it made me realize that there were more versions than the one called Ruby Red that arrives successfully to Canadian markets. In searching for the varietal, I found this article that suggests there are 13 types and has a nice story about a biologist with family history in breeding exotic fruit.

I have a strong memory of the only pomegranate tree I have ever seen, full of fruit. It was in the garden of the Forbidden City. It was explained that in Chinese culture, the pomegranate, with its many seeds, was a symbol of fertility. This was especially meaningful, since I was pregnant with my first child!

There are interesting attempts at opening this fruit in "the best" way. I have found the red fruit to be best dealt with by cutting carefully and peeling in a deep bowl. Here are few experts with their tried and true methods. I find the geometry of this fruit very beautiful, but not always predictable.