Pomegranates

A glamorous fruit encased in a tough, leathery skin, the pomegranate is often depicted in abstract form in Anatolian designs on plates, carpets and tiles. The trove of ruby-red grains concealed within the fruit symbolize fertility, good fortune and the continuation of life. It is also considered a cleansing fruit, able to raise the soul and banish negative feelings. You can cut it in half and squeeze it on a lemon press, then use the juice as a pleasant alternative to lemon juice in dressings and marinades. A refreshing pomegranate-juice drink is made in some Anatolian villages where they also make nar pekmez, a dark pomegranate syrup which has a sweet-sour taste – good for sharpening dressings and marinades.