This ancient fruit replete with history and symbolism is originally from Persia and northern India, and grows best in places with hot, dry summers and cool, but not cold winters, so it is challenging to grow them in New Zealand's damp, temperate climate.
Inside the red, leathery skin are the jewel-like red seeds, which are both tart and sweet and make a wonderful addition to salads, and desserts, and also go well with seafood and meats.
The juice is good in jellies, and cocktails and other drinks - I find it refreshing just mixed with an equal quantity of chilled soda water.
Pomegranates are also high in antioxidants, and the Wonderful variety particularly so - that is how the new POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is marketed, backed, it says, by $56 million in medical research.
It is made from concentrate but says it contains no sugar or artificial additives, and is sourced entirely from Californian fruit.
The juice, in its distinctive waisted bottle, also comes with blueberry or mango flavours, and needs to be kept refrigerated.
