Have you tried pomegranate? This superfood was one of the earliest cultivated fruits and has been prominent throughout history in art, culture, and religion. Pomegranate contains a unique and powerful antioxidant called punicalagin, responsible for more than half of the antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice. Some of the health benefits include anti-cancer properties, heart disease protection, and protection of memory and brain function. Despite all of these health benefits, many people find them intimidating due to the fact that the edible part of the fruit are the seeds, or arils, which can be messy to remove from the fruit. The best way I’ve found to remove the seeds is to score 4 lines from top to bottom to quarter the pomegranate. Then, submerge the pomegranate in a bowl of water and pull apart the quarters, releasing the seeds with your hands. The white pith will float and the seeds will sink. Remove the pith and discard, then drain the seeds. Now you have a good amount of the seeds to add some color and nutrition to your New Years Eve dinner recipes.

One festive recipe for any dinner hosts this New Years Eve is:

 Spinach and Pear Salad with Pomegranate Dressing:

Ingredients

Dressing:

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (regular balsamic is fine too)

6 tablespoons pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon honey

¾ teaspoon salt and pepper

Salad:

5 ounces spring mix or baby spinach

1 medium pear, cored and cut into slices

¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

2 T fresh pomegranate seeds

1 ounce parmesan cheese, shaved

Directions

1. Whisk together the garlic, oil, vinegar, pomegranate juice, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Place the spinach in a large serving bowl. Add the pear slices and walnuts and toss gently.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again—you’ll probably have enough dressing to save for another salad.
4. Divide the salad among 4 serving bowls. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and Parmesan evenly over each serving.

Nourish Café at Release will have several nutritious salads to choose from, to eat in or take out. Come join us for some delicious, nourishing food!