Edible Jewels

Pomegranates add zing to earthy flavors of fall

Pomegranate season reaches its peak in the fall here in California, which leads the country in growing the ancient fruit native to Iran. They’re popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, where their use is inspired and resourceful, and my recipes here try to have the same effect. It is the vibrant flavor of this amazing fruit that brings me back to pomegranates for my fall recipes, time after time. The deep, hearty, earthy flavors of fall benefit tremendously from the zing of this versatile fruit, bringing balance and contrast to whatever ingredients they dance with.

Everything in these recipes can be sourced locally. I encourage you to go to local stores and our county’s farmers’ markets. The farmers there are committed to their chosen livelihood, and many enjoy the community connectedness of meeting, talking with and feeling the love from the people who eat the fruits of the farmers’ labors.