A Recipe For Pomegranate Molasses And What to Make with It - California Grown (2024)

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Pomegranate molasses is a thick, syrupy reduction made from pomegranate juice. It is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to all types of dishes. Its vibrant color and rich taste make it a favorite in both sweet and savory recipes. From marinades and dressings to desserts and drinks, you’ll always want to keep this ingredient on hand.

A Recipe For Pomegranate Molasses And What to Make with It - California Grown (1)

California Pomegranates: The Crown Jewel of the Golden State

The Central Valley is the agricultural powerhouse of California and the heart of pomegranate country. It’s where the majority of the nation’s pomegranates are cultivated​​. The region’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing these vibrant fruits, making California a leading producer of pomegranates.

Short and Sweet Seasonal Splendor

Pomegranate season in California is relatively brief but bountiful, typically spanning from September to December​​. During this period, fresh pomegranates and their arils (the juicy, ruby-red seeds) are widely available, while pomegranate juice remains a staple that is available year-round.

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How to Make Pomegranate Molasses at Home

Making pomegranate molasses is simpler than you might think. All you need is pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmering these ingredients together creates a thick, flavorful syrup that you’ll be using in your recipes again and again. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Gather fresh pomegranate juice, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice.
  2. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the mixture reduces to a syrupy consistency.
  3. Let the molasses cool, then transfer to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Now it’s ready to use or store.
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What to Make with Pomegranate Molasses

  1. Savory Dishes with Pomegranate Molasses: Pomegranate molasses can elevate numerous savory dishes. It works wonderfully as a marinade for meats, adds a tangy twist to salad dressings, and can be used as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
  2. Sweet Treats with Pomegranate Molasses: In sweet dishes, pomegranate molasses adds depth and a hint of tartness. It’s excellent in fruit salads, drizzled over desserts like cheesecake or ice cream, and can be incorporated into baked goods for an unexpected flavor twist.
  3. Refreshing Beverages with Pomegranate Molasses: Add a splash of pomegranate molasses to your co*cktails or mocktails for a unique, tangy flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail too.
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Understanding California Pomegranates

Exploring the Pomegranate’s Hidden Treasures: A Deep Dive into Its Anatomy

Pomegranates have a hard outer shell with many arils inside. These arils contain both the seed and the juice, and it’s this juicy part that is most commonly used in cooking and juice production​​.

Versatility in the Kitchen

Pomegranates are incredibly versatile. They can be used whole, juiced, or turned into molasses. Pomegranates can be used many ways, from adding a fresh twist to tacos, enhancing co*cktails, or as a key ingredient in delicious desserts​​.

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We’d love to hear how you use pomegranate molasses in your kitchen. Share your favorite recipes and ideas with us by snapping a picture and tagging us on social media using #CAGROWN. For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest for a treasure trove of California-grown recipes!

Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!

Pomegranate Molasses

James Collier

Pomegranate molasses, is a thick, syrupy reduction made from pomegranate juice. It is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to all types of dishes.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course co*cktails, Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 0.5 cups

Calories 929 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a large, wide, uncovered saucepan, heat pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice on medium-high until the sugar has dissolved and the juice simmers.

    Reduce heat just enough to maintain a simmer.

  • Simmer for about an hour, or until the juice has a syrupy consistency, and has reduced to 1/2 cup.

    If you want your pomegranate molasses to be sweeter, add more sugar to taste, while you are cooking it.

  • Pour out into a jar. Let cool. Store chilled in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 929kcalCarbohydrates: 232gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 91mgPotassium: 2164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 226gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 1mg

Keyword pomegranate, pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses

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Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Duck

With every bite of Vy Tran of Beyond Sweet & Savory’s pomegranate-glazed roasted duck, you get succulent, tender, and flavorful meat that will make you want to reach for more.

A Recipe For Pomegranate Molasses And What to Make with It - California Grown (2024)

FAQs

What can I use pomegranate molasses for? ›

Sweet and fruity pomegranate molasses has the same luscious stickiness as a balsamic reduction. Give soft-leaf lettuces a pink shimmer by adding to olive oil, caramelise over Persian-inspired chicken dishes in the oven or drizzle over sorbets and summer drinks.

How long does pomegranate molasses last in the fridge? ›

So, to use, pour it out of the jar or bottle rather than putting in a spoon, and always keep refrigerated. Stored in an airtight bottle or container, the molasses can be refrigerated for up to 1 year.

What do Middle Easterns use pomegranate molasses for? ›

Another Middle Eastern staple, pomegranate molasses is condensed pomegranate juice that has been boiled down to a thick, syrup-y consistency. Despite the name, there is no actual molasses in it! It is usually used in savory sauces, marinades, and salad dressings, but you can also use it as a drizzle to balance sweets!

What country does pomegranate molasses come from? ›

different local varieties are found in different Middle Eastern countries. Ahmar, aswad, and halwa varieties are important in Iraq; mangulati is found in Saudi arabia; and malissi and ras el baghl are favoured in Lebanon and Syria (Morton, 1987). They vary in acidity with some varieties being much sweeter than others.

Should I refrigerate pomegranate molasses? ›

Opened bottles can be refrigerated for long periods, but it's not likely to sit around for long. You don't need to love Middle Eastern food to love what pomegranate molasses can do for the foods you already love.

How long does pomegranate molasses last after opening? ›

Pomegranate molasses can be stored in a cool dark place and consumed within 12 months of opening.

Does pomegranate molasses go bad? ›

The shelf life of pomegranate molasses is typically around 12 months when kept in optimal conditions. To preserve its quality, it should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.

Is pomegranate molasses healthy? ›

In fact, pomegranate molasses is a particularly highly nutritious product since it is made by boiling down fresh pomegranate juice into a thickened syrup, and would therefore, depending on processing conditions, have higher mineral and antioxidant contents than fresh pomegranate juice (Yilmaz et al., 2007).

Is pomegranate molasses good for liver? ›

Conclusion: Molasses, White peel and Red peel Pomegranate have a strong antioxidant for protective liver tissue. Phenylhydrazine induces the destruction of red blood cells by oxidation stress and many joint changes at cellular levels resulting in hemolytic anemia.

Is pomegranate molasses good for cholesterol? ›

There are also approximately 40 calories in a 1 tablespoon serving of this molasses. The most impressive health benefits of pomegranate molasses include strengthening the immune system, lowering overall cholesterol levels, boosting the metabolism, aiding skin health, and preventing certain cancers, among others.

What is another name for pomegranate molasses? ›

Pomegranate molasses is an important ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. The Arabic name (dibs rumaan or rub rumaan) and the Farsi name (rob-e-anar) mean "thickened pomegranate juice." The Turkish name "sour pomegranate" (nar ekşisi) best fits what pomegranate molasses is.

Does Trader Joe's carry pomegranate molasses? ›

Pomegranate molasses is available at AO&Co. Market & Cafe, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

Who invented pomegranate molasses? ›

The exact origins of pomegranate molasses are unclear, but it's believed to have come about as a way to preserve pomegranates in the Middle East. One thing we do know for sure is that its depth of flavor is what makes pomegranate molasses a must-have ingredient.

What country eats the most pomegranate? ›

Global Pomegranate Market Regional Insights

In terms of revenue, Asia Pacific dominates the global market and is anticipated to keep doing so over the coming years. Pomegranate consumption is traditionally the highest in Asia, and growing nations like India, Iran, China, etc.

What does pomegranate molasses taste like? ›

Pomegranate molasses is tart and tangy, with an underlying caramelized sweetness and almost musky depth. It's an ingredient that's totally unique. If you've sipped pomegranate juice or popped a handful of ruby pomegranate seeds into your mouth, then you're familiar with the fruit's sweet-tart pop of flavor.

Why is pomegranate molasses good for you? ›

There are also approximately 40 calories in a 1 tablespoon serving of this molasses. The most impressive health benefits of pomegranate molasses include strengthening the immune system, lowering overall cholesterol levels, boosting the metabolism, aiding skin health, and preventing certain cancers, among others.

What should pomegranate molasses taste like? ›

Pomegranate molasses is syrupy and rich, but even versions with added sugar are not very sweet. Instead it's tangy and a little musky with a depth of flavor that I usually associate with wine or concentrated meat drippings. This makes it invaluable anywhere you want to add a little depth or complexity.

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