Comments on: How To Eat A Pomegranate

By: Nisha

Nisha — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 09:42:21 +0000

They’re rather common market fruit where I live, often turned into digestive candies – thank you for the gift of, after 30-odd years on this planet, getting to see them through the eyes of those to whom they aren’t quite so familar!

(and I second J’s comment – do watch out for the juice, or wear a colour that won’t show bright red stains easily!)

By: Paola

Paola — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:14:13 +0000

Perfect timely information. I have just been gifted two and instructions from American friend involved soaking in warm water etc etc which seemed a shame. Will now try this method.
Thanks

By: gkbowood

gkbowood — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:57:09 +0000

My home grown pomegranates NEVER look like those ruby beauties! I also had no idea how to open one and just tore into it, breaking it apart until I could pick out the juicy seeds to enjoy. Your photos are a visual treat as well- Thank you.

By: J

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:09:48 +0000

It seems anti-climactic after so many comments of nostalgic memories and literary references, but I must add do be careful when cutting a pomegranate not to get the juice on your clothes! It stains dreadfully. Your fingers will also be somewhat stained if the seeds or arils are burst.

Delicious, though! —

By: paul loften

paul loften — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:10:29 +0000

The pomegranate is indeed a significant fruit. The town of Granada in Spain was derived from the Spanish Granata for Pomegranate. It was the centre for Sephardic Jewish culture until the year 1066, when a massacre occurred there .

By: Shayne

Shayne — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:10:07 +0000

I certainly remember eating pomegranate seeds with a pin as a child in the early 1970s – this was in Mid Wales, not generally considered a cosmopolitan area ?

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 12:54:33 +0000

You’re a mind reader! I plan to have a display of pomegranates as a centerpiece on my Thanksgiving table — and serve some pomegranate aperitifs. I love to see the seeds dancing in the fizzy prosecco.

The description of the embroidered pomegranates on the priest’s robes will require further research, and I hope to add that info to my History of Costume archive.

Thanks for always providing a blast of early-morning wisdom and insight.

By: Adele Lester

Adele Lester — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 12:31:32 +0000

The pomegranate has 613 seeds, the number being significant in Jewish tradition. The fruit is traditionally eaten on the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashonah). I can remember it being sold occasionally in Jewish areas of the EastEnd (particularly Hessel St Market), but was usually very expensive and beyond the reach of many immigrant families.

By: Caroline Murray

Caroline Murray — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:52:43 +0000

Thanks, GA, especially for the gorgeous photos! You might like this: https://bit.ly/2U3o3kh
Since I wrote that piece, I have actually grown 12 pomegranate bushes by planting seeds from inside a fruit; the two I kept are now about 0.5 metres high, and I have hopes that they may flower in the next few years …

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:50:20 +0000

I totally understand the significance of this ritual as it’s a way of reconnecting with those who are no longer with us. They maybe gone but their presence remains in the mind. It’s a comforting ritual.