Pomegranates, Oil on canvas, 50 x 40cm
Z is for Zakuro, Japanese for pomegranate. I really could not leave out this fruit. This was one of the first paintings I ever sold, at a charity exihibition for the Independant Arts Foundation. We had local wines and cheeses paired with four different flavours of spiced quince paste I had made. It was a great one night only show that led to me being offered my first solo exhibition.
I love pomegranates bejeweling a warm salad with cumin and hot paprika roasted pumpkin, couscous, dried jujubes, dates or apple, garlic pepitas, pistachios, a squeeze of orange and all it’s zest, tossed together with chopped mint and corriander.
It’s one of those recipes that changes with whatever you have in the fridge at the time. Do you have spinach growing? Slice that up and throw it in the freshly cooked couscous, that will be enough to wilt it. Don’t have pumpkin? Use carrots, especially those lovely multicoloured heritage ones.
Absolutely delicious with lamb, tender steak or turkey.
Below is the pair to the painting at the top. I’m so glad they both went to a family who said, “Oh I remember when I picked pomegrates in my Nonna’s garden…” I have heard so many of those stories over the years and I hope this series encourages you all to continue planting fruit trees so that your grandchildren will be able to say …I remember when…..
