According to legend, the pomegranate is a symbol of eternal life and the key to immortality. While we can’t promise you those effects, pomegranates do have some pretty fantastic health benefits — Greek philosopher Hippocrates and ancient Egyptians are among those who have used the fruit for medicinal purposes. Modern researchers say that antioxidant-rich pomegranates are good for the heart.

Since November is National Pomegranate Month, it’s the perfect time to reap the fruit’s benefits. Drink a glass of pomegranate juice or dig into an actual pomegranate for juicy bits of delicious tang. If you’re a novice, it might seem intimidating to open at first — nature’s equivalent of  thick plastic packaging. Instructions are available from POM Wonderful’s website, which also has recipes, including those for appetizers, entrees, cocktails and even desserts. Here’s one to try for holiday entertaining:

POM Salsa

¼ cup POM Wonderful juice

2 cups arils from 2–3 large POM Wonderful pomegranates

3–4 teaspoons chopped jalapeño pepper

¼ cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper

4 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Score the pomegranates and place in a bowl of water. Break open the fruit under water to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl.

Combine all of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Serve with tortilla chips.

Serves 8

NUTRITION SCORE (per serving)

49 calories (0% from fat)

Fat 0 g

Carbs 13 g

Protein 1 g

Fiber 0 g

Calcium 0 mg

Iron 0 mg

Sodium 0 mg

Tags: Aril, Biology, Botany, Food and drink, Fruit, Hospitality/Recreation, Lythraceae, POM Wonderful, Pomegranate, Spices, Tablespoon, Tang, tortilla chips