Seed Your Luck

With their name derived from a term meaning "grainy apples," pomegranates have long held popularity as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good fortune in cultures and religions worldwide.

Round, hard, reddish-brown fruits, their interior consists of a white, pulpy flesh surrounding small seeds. The seeds, known as arils, contain bright red juice. They are the only edible part of the fruit, with each pomegranate containing hundreds of seeds (hence the reference to fertility!)

Tart without being sour, the brilliantly colored seeds are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, bothof which are known to preventfree radicals from damaging your cells. These wintertime wonders are the perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners, brunches, and get-togethers.

POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 1½ Cups Dressing

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to a blender and gently pulse or blend on low speed.
2. Add the pomegranate seeds and salt to the blender. Blend on high speed for about a minute.