Pom Poms

Miniature Pomegranate Tree

Mini Pomegranates are ripening in my sunny window. Rumor has it they need insects to pollinate fruit. I have more bugs than flowers growing indoors, right now, so that's not a problem for me!

Gorgeous orange flowers, glossy green leaves... This tiny tree has the most cheerful disposition. She's an easy grower indoors, somewhat drought tolerant. Sweet as she can be. The plant, that is, not the fruit. Man! That stuff is sour!

But that's mostly because the miniature poms need to thoroughly ripen to a bright red on the tree.

I was so excited I jumped the gun and tasted them when they were a little too green.

For years, fresh Pomegranates were considered a delicacy. Now you can buy containers of seeds ready to be sprinkled into all sorts of tasty recipes. Like this one:

Sweet Tart Pomegranate Sauce
Serve on chicken, turkey or pork.

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped, fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Garnish with 1/2 cup Pom seeds
  

Heat chicken broth, pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar in a skillet. Add cornstarch, brown sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce and simmer until sauce thickens. Garnish with Pomegrante seeds (officially called Arils.)

USDA zones 9-10. Miniature Pomegranate Trees (this is not a bonsai) bear fruit about the size of a silver dollar. They grow easily in a sunny window. Reach about 2 feet at maturity. Sensitive to temperatures cooler than 40 degrees (F).

PS: Thanks, Wunx. :)