Pomegranates: the delicious, sweet and tangy, crunchy fruit that brightens up the holiday season in all its glory. Once you get over the fact that every time you cut one it looks like a murder scene took place in your kitchen, it's easy to get infatuated with this curious-tasting and versatile seedy fruit.
But sometimes it's difficult to determine if you've picked a good one. And other times it's easy to forget about the ones you bought until they're a bit past their prime and looking rather sad in the back of your fridge.
What's a pomegranate lover to do? Throw it away? Never! The not-so-cheap antioxidant-rich fruit can be used in many ways, even when it's not at its peak ripeness and/or freshness. Here are 11 ways to use up overripe pomegranates.
1. Add to Avocado Toast
The tart and tangy perils add a crunchy contrast to smooth and creamy avocado.
2. Make Some Chia Seed Jam
Crush pomegranate perils with a wooden spoon and add chia seeds in a ratio of 1/2 cup fruit to 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Stir and allow the mixture to sit in the fridge for at least two hours.
3. Add to Your Nut Butter Sandwich
A juicy, crunchy twist on a classic PB&J.
4. Add to a Grain Salad
Pomegranate perils are awesome in grain salads. Just cook up some black or brown rice, farro, or quinoa, and add whatever else is around your kitchen, like roasted sweet potato and/or squash cubes, chickpeas, or walnuts and finish with a bunch of pomegranate perils.
The seeds add an acidity and brightness to these dishes. Make a big batch and pack for lunch all week long.
5. Juice It
If you're into pomegranate juice and have some time to spare, this tutorial is helpful.
6. Add to Salads
Pomegranate adds a festive and fun crunch to any salad.
7. Use to Top Your Yogurt, Oatmeal, or Chia Seed Pudding
Even if your perils aren't at their prime, they'll still taste pretty decent and add a nice textural contrast to your favorite yogurt or chia seed pudding.
8. Fold into Your Favorite Muffin, Scone, or Quick Bread Recipe
Who doesn't love a reason to bake? Pomegranate perils work well in things like muffins and sweet loaf-breads. Just fold them into your favorite batter before baking.
9. Add to Chocolate Cake or Brownie Mix
Pomegranates + chocolate = a match made in heaven. For a fun and fancy-feeling treat, follow the directions on a box of chocolate cake or brownie mix and fold in perils before baking.
10. Freeze Them and Add to Smoothies
Freeze perils and then toss a handful or two into your favorite smoothie recipe for a tangy punch.
11. Make Pomegranate Ice Cubes
Just add a few perils into each square, fill with water, and freeze (use directions for this method, but swap raspberries for pomegranate). Bring out your pomegranate ice cubes at your next party and you'll feel oh-so-fancy.