Pomegranates

Pick a fruit by weight rather than looks; the heaviest ones are the juiciest, and slight skin cracking is a sign of full ripeness, not damage. To open one without redecorating the kitchen, score the leathery rind, break it apart in a bowl of water, and let the arils sink while the white pith floats off. Only the arils are eaten, and the bitter membrane is discarded. Sold fresh through local Alabama delivery, farm pickup, and our farmers-market stand.

• Grown in: Lineville, Alabama (no synthetic pesticides)
• Freshness: Harvested at peak and sold fresh
• Availability: Seasonal - local Alabama delivery & pickup
• Storage: Refrigerate and enjoy fresh
• Why it's good: Nutrient-dense and picked at peak freshness

• Storage: Whole at cool room temperature or refrigerated; loose arils in a sealed container in the fridge
• Shelf life: 1 to 2 months whole - by far the longest keeper here; about 5 days for loose arils
• Washing: Rinse the outside before you cut into it. The arils inside need nothing.
• Using: Arils only - scattered over salads, yoghurt, roast vegetables, or anything rich that needs a clean acid note. The bitter white membrane is discarded.

How do I open one without redecorating the kitchen?
Score the leathery rind around the middle, break it apart under water in a bowl, and work the arils free with your thumbs. The arils sink and the white pith floats off, and the juice stays in the water instead of on your wall.

How do I pick a good one?
By weight, not looks. The heaviest fruit for its size is the juiciest. Slight cracking of the skin is a sign of full ripeness rather than damage.

Can I freeze the arils?
Yes, and they take it well. Spread them on a tray, freeze, then bag. They lose a little snap but keep the flavour and the colour.