Pomegranate seeds are delicious and super healthy! Rich in vitamin K, fiber, potassium and heart-healthy antioxidants. But truth be told - those tiny juicy seeds are very tricky to pry free from a fresh pomegranate. Now there is an easy way to get pomegranate seeds year-round - all you have to do is open your freezer!... Check out two Pomegranate Seed Recipes...
Trader Joe's Frozen Pomegranate Seeds. I am still sad that Trader Joe's stopped carrying my fave product: Frozen Papaya Chunks. But I was thrilled to see them carrying a new product: Frozen Pomegranate Seeds! They are giant plump red pomegranate seeds - frozen for storage ease. Perfect for adding to smoothies, salads, desserts and even eating right out of the bag. I added a few to a smoothie and some to a choco-pudding pie I made.
Healthy Facts: Pomegranates. I love fresh pomegranate juice because it is packed with healthy antioxidants and it has a sweet-tart flavor my taste buds love. Pom-Champagne Bellinis are one of my fave bevies around the holiday season.
But usually, to get pomegranate nutrients I have to juice/smash one fresh, buy pomegranate juice or pluck the seeds by hand from a fresh pom. So I love this new easy frozen seeds option.
Why Pomegranate Juice? You may have heard the hype about pomegranate juice. And while it certainly isn't a 'cure' for anything, it does appear to improve the health of your body. Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin K and is particularly high in three types of polyphenols (antioxidants): tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice may be effective in promoting prostate and cardiovascular wellness.
Learn more nutrition facts and how to smash a pomegranate to get fresh juice in this post here.
Now check out these two recipes I whipped up this week - frozen pomegranate seed inspired...
RECIPE ONE:
Pom-Chocolate Pudding Pie-Fait * I made this chocolate pudding recipe here - but instead of using cherries I subbed frozen pomegranate seeds and an avocado for texture. It tasted delicious!!
Creamy Pom Chocolate Pudding Pie-Fait
vegan
1 cup frozen pomegranate seeds + 1 tablespoon for garnish
1 ⅔ cups silken tofu (1 package) + 3 tablespoon soy milk
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 avocado, de-pitted
1 package Dr Oetker's chocolate pudding mix
pinch salt
1 graham cracker crust
Directions:
1. In a soup pot add the tofu, soy milk, pudding mix, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Stir and bring to a boil.
2. When mixture begins to thicken, remove from heat and stir in frozen pomegranate seeds.
3. Add mixture to blender - add avocado as well.
4. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour smooth mixture into graham cracker pie shell. Top with a few pomegranate seeds. Pour any extra pudding into separate parfait glasses for an extra treat.
6. Chill until ready to serve - usually 2 hours is enough time - overnight is best.
Another awesome pomegranate pudding recipe here.
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RECIPE TWO
Pinky Sweet Smoothie
vegan, serves 1
1 very ripe banana (for a thicker smoothie use a frozen banana)
½ cup frozen pomegranate seeds
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 ½ cups vanilla soy milk
Blend. Serve. Sip. Smile.
*note, there were a few crunchy unblended seed-inner-parts in this smoothie. Kinda like a raspberry smoothie may have. I didn't mind them much - but if you are seed sensitive you have been warned!
