The fruit itself has a rather unique taste that many are not used to or fond of. Think sweet, but tangy and a slight bittersweetness. For that I like the juice very much, and because of this unique taste, it’s not something I will over consume as much as I might a sweeter juice. I also like to snack on or add to salads the seeds of the fruit, They’re quite literally an explosion in your mouth. I tried once to make chocolate cups with seeds of the fruit. WOW!
They were amazing, and make them every year now. If you have ever had a cordial, it’s quite similar minus the alcohol. Dark chocolate and pomegranate seeds are match made in heaven. It was when I made these chocolates for my parents that I happened upon an amusing moment. My mother pronounced the fruit as “pomme-grenade”, this is actually the old French pronunciation of it. Now it is simply known as a grenade. Still, I like her pronunciation of it, it’s more fun.
Really though, what I want to share for those of you that do enjoy the fruit, is that there are ways to remove the seeds that don’t result in a stained kitchen counter, bowls and all sorts of equipment and clothing. And no, I am not referring to buying the seeds instead of the fruit. If you ask me, that is highway robbery!! One cup of seeds, which is usually about one fourth of a fruit, costs about the same as the whole fruit itself. I get convenience and all, but I promise you, you can clean a fruit while sitting and watching TV, with minimal mess.
Another interesting note to learn about this fruit. It is of very importance in the Greek culture!! It is looked at as a fruit that has a potential to bring a lot of luck to the Greeks. While we all have plans to countdown the old year into the New Year, there are some other traditions that Greeks follow into the new year.
The fruit is a sign of luck, prosperity and fertility, as well as a sign of renewal and regeneration. I rather think this is something we all need this year, not just the Greeks.
For the holidays, including Christmas and New Years, it is common for Greek families and friends to gather together to spend time with each other. On Christmas day, a pomegranate is placed above or to the side of the front door until New Year’s Eve. It’s not uncommon either for some to have their fruit blessed at their local Greek Orthodox Church before hanging it.
As we near midnight on New Year Eve, all lights are turned off and everyone makes their way outside of their home. One person will be selected as especially lucky and will be the first to enter the household at midnight as we roll into the 1st of the year. They will enter with their right foot. Traditionally, children are chosen for the role of reentering the home at midnight. This person is referred to as the First Footer, and they are tasked with the special moment of being the first one to step into the home. It must be executed correctly to ensure the family is brought luck for the New Year.
Once the First Footer enters, another family member is chosen who has a fresh and clean spirit. This person takes the fruit in their right hand and smashes it into the front door. If you smash a pomegranate, you get a whole lot of mess, and of course lots of seeds going every which way. The more seeds that are scattered however, the more luck for that household. It seems to me that picking the right fruit is good too. Although you never really know how many seeds are in a pomegranate until you smash it.
I think, after the year everyone has had worldwide this year, we all need to partake in a little Greek tradition, go out and buy a pomegranate and do as the Greeks. It can’t hurt!
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