Instructions: Fresh pomegranates, with their festive connotations and long, poetic history, are now at their peak in most markets.

Behind its leathery outer skin, the pomegranate is full of bright, tart-sweet seeds and juice. Perhaps because of those seeds, since ancient times in various cultures, the pomegranate has symbolized hope, prosperity and fertility.

The ancient root of the name, from Latin and French, means fruit or apple with seeds. The pomegranate originated in tropical Asia, and is now widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It is believed to have been brought to California by Spanish missionaries at least 200 years ago.

Choose pomegranates heavy for their size, without cracks or splits, with a skin color from bright to deep red. One pomegranate yields about 3/4 cup seeds and 1/2 cup juice.

Whole pomegranates keep well at room temperature for several days, and up to three months in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

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