Peace of Pomegranate

By Kat Valentina

Known as the peaceful pomegranate, if there was ever a time to rely on this complex fruit, it would be now!

Purported to be a symbol of good fortune, fertility, longevity and general good luck in life, it would behoove us all to honor and gleefully imbibe this fantastic plant medicine. With origins in Iran and India, this “seeded apple” has traveled the world to bring her blessings.  From myths of Persephone to the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut, to the Kabbalah, Christianity and Buddhism, pomegranates hold high court.  Used as hair dye and for daily spiritual practices, pomegranate is so much more than the juice we as Americans have come to revere as a super boosting beverage.

The healing benefits of the pomegranate for the physical body are as numerous as the spiritual and folklore traditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the peel of the unripe fruit is considered the most medicinally beneficial.  Pomegranate is picked just before she is ripe. The seeds are removed before the “husks” are sun dried to bring relief to ailments such as dysenteric conditions and uterine bleeding.  The peel also has the highest levels of antioxidants. Seeds and juice also hold substantial support of the body according to western herbalism. The anthocyanins bring us a boost of immune energy akin to the peel and the punicalagin contained within the fruit offers free radical reduction, greatly supporting heart function.

Controlling weight, hormone therapy (pomegranates are high in estrogen) and circulatory assistance are a few more ways that dearest pomegranate offers health to humans. Truly the list goes on of what this wonderful super fruit can do and how she has been incorporated in traditional food dishes across the globe. Sour, astringent and warming, the flavor profile of the fruit itself complements an array of food and drink.

When your nerves are shot and emotions overloaded, I recommend shaking a fist at the sky and loudly proclaiming, “I need a Bloody Bee’s Knees right now!” and then do this…

BLOODY BEE’S KNEES!!

BLOODY BEE’S KNEES!!

BLOODY BEE’S KNEES!! (Fist shaking out frustrations)

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Gin
  • 3/4 oz.  Pomegranate/Rosemary Honey Syrup*
  • 1/2 Meyer Lemon
  • 1/4 oz. Pure Pomegranate Juice
  • 1 dropper Full Lavender Bitters
  • Crystallized lavender buds and a rosemary sprig for garnish.**

Preparation: Add all ingredients except for garnish into shaking tin with ice. Shake vigorously towards the skies, shouting “This is MY Bloody Bee’s Knees!” and strain into coupe glass or over ice in glass of choice. Smack a rosemary sprig and gently lay atop cocktail. Sprinkle a few crystallized lavender buds and enjoy the bloody cocktail.

*Pomegranate/Rosemary Honey Syrup

  • 1 part pomegranate juice
  • 1 part water
  • 1 part honey of choice
  • 2-3 rosemary sprigs

Bring the juice (or seeds equivalent to these measurements), water, and rosemary just below boil.  After simmering until all the color is gone from fruit and herb, turn off heat and add honey as the syrup is cooling.

**Lavender buds with sugar

Dry fry (roast) in a skillet and let the buds cool for a few hours to harden.

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