Cranberries and Pomegranates
Seasonal Fruits Take Center Stage
By Lisa Murray 

If the health-protective properties of cranberries and pomegranates aren't enough to tempt you, check out their culinary attributes. These nutritional powerhouses are well worth stocking up on! 

Selection & Storage Tips
In season from fall through the New Year, both cranberries and pomegranates store well. Keep cranberries tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to two months, or store them in the freezer for up to a year.
Choose pomegranates that are heavy for their size-this indicates more seeds. Skin should look fresh and be free of cuts or holes. Store the fruit at room temperature for up to a week or for several weeks in the fridge.

How to Remove Pomegranate Seeds
Cut off the pointy top (the crown) of the pomegranate and then quarter, slicing top to bottom. Submerge the quarters in a bowl of cold water and peel off the rind. Pull the seeds from the membrane-they will sink to the bottom and the membrane will float to the top. Skim off the membrane and then drain.

Be Creative
Pomegranate seeds give added eye appeal, nutrition, and tang to many recipes. Add them to salad, stuffing, plain yogurt, granola, or oatmeal. Cranberries, also delicious when purchased dried, are a tasty ingredient in many muffins and breads. Use dried cranberries to top cereals, or add them to trail mixes for added nutrition and flavor.

Health Stars
Low-calorie cranberries provide many health benefits. They appear to offer protection against urinary tract infections and promote general kidney and bladder health. Both cranberries and pomegranates are high in antioxidants that help fight cancer and atherosclerosis. Pomegranates are also a good source of potassium and vitamins C and B6 and, like the cranberry, have potent anti-inflammatory properties. 
 

Selected Sources
 The Berry Bible by Janie Hibler ($29.95, William Morrow, 2004)  }  "Cranberry Juice for Prophylaxis of Urinary Tract Infections-Conclusions from Clinical Experience and Research" by R. Nowack and W. Schmitt, Phytomedicine, 8/6/08  }  The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, ND, and Joseph Pizzorno, ND, with Lara Pizzorno, MA, LMT ($39.95, Atria Books, 2005)  }  "Evidences of the Cardioprotective Potential of Fruits: The Case of Cranberries" by G. Ruel and C. Couillard, Mol Nutr Food Res, 6/07  }  Melissa's Great Book of Produce by Cathy Thomas ($29.95, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006)  }  "Multitargeted Therapy of Cancer by Ellagitannins" by D. Heber, Cancer Lett, 5/12/08  }  "Punica granatum (Pomegranate) and Its Potential for Prevention and Treatment of Inflammation and Cancer" by E. P. Lansky and R. A. Newman, J Ethnopharmacol, 1/19/07  }  "Therapeutic Applications of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A Review" by J. S. Jurenka, Altern Med Rev, 6/08