Possibilities With Pomegranates

Pomegranate season is in full swing but typically very short, lasting from October to January in Southern California. 

To extend the enjoyment and numerous health benefits of this delectable fruit beyond its short market season, one family decided to make pomegranate products.

Popular and versatile

Skylake Ranch is the Brown family’s 20 acres of farmland located near Chico and Durham in Northern California.

The orchard yielded 150,000 pomegranates in 2009. From that initial harvest, the Browns developed the now top-selling balsamic grill sauce and the marinade.

It was only 10 a.m. last Sunday at the and both the grill sauce and the marinade were already sold out, according to employee Karen Onifer.

“Why are you still letting me taste it then?” asked a market-goer.

“So you’ll remember to come back next Sunday,” said Onifer, adding that orders can also be placed on-line.

For every day cooking or grilling, the balsamic grill sauce works well on meat and vegetables. “It’s popular, because it’s very versatile,” said Onifer.

Also equally popular and versatile is the marinade, which can also double as a low-calorie salad dressing. Low in sodium, this product is supposed to prevent meat from drying out, even after several hours or a day after using this marinade.

Onifer was quick to offer other options to disappointed market-goers. The fruit spread was one. Made up of 60 percent fresh pomegranate juice, the fruit spread is perfect on scones, pancakes and English muffins.

Another promising possibility was the syrup. “You can drizzle this over desserts or use it to glaze your barbecued meat,” said Onifer.

Gift-giving ideas

Beyond food, how can one overlook pomegranate juice? Certainly not the Brown family who painstakingly ensured that three and a half pomegranates went into every 12-ounce bottle.

For a mean martini, margarita or Shirley Temple, try using the pomegranate grenadine, said Onifer. The all-natural grenadine can also be added to champagne or sparkling water for that added flair.

Except for the combo sets, most pomegranate products are in the $5 to $9 price range, with volume discounts available.

For the upcoming holidays and for corporate give-aways, try the gift packs from Skylake Ranch. There are unique combinations of grill sauce and marinade; jellies and syrup, and one featuring the entire line-up of pomegranate products.

“We promise not to run out,” said Onifer. “But just in case, come early next time.”

The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.