“What is a good substitute for pomegranate seeds, juice in cooking, salad, etc.” is the most common and ask the question because of pomegranate’s taste and ruby red color.
There are a few substitutes for pomegranate juice, and seeds in cooking, salad, etc. raspberries, cranberry sauce, grapefruit juice, and sweet lemon are all good sources of Pomegranate substitutes.
When are pomegranates in season?
Like all fruits and vegetables, the seasonality of pomegranates is driven by climate change.
The best time to buy fresh pomegranates is typically from September to January.
Another name for pomegranate seeds is arils.
What can I use instead of pomegranate? (7 Best Pomegranate Substitutes)
1. POMEGRANATE JUICE- Pure Substitution for Pomegranate seeds
Pomegranate juice is a fruit juice made by pressing the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. The flavor can vary from sweet and tart to sour.
Pomegranate juice can be used in place of pomegranate in recipes. Just mix with other juices or use them as a mixer in cocktails. Pomegranate juice is available bottled and as a powder.
Pomegranate juice keeps for about two weeks if stored at room temperature and about six months if stored in the refrigerator.
Powdered pomegranate juice can be kept longer. The shelf life of powdered pomegranate juice is long compared to fruit…
2. BLACKBERRIES-Similar taste that can be a replacement for Pomegranate In a salad
Blackberries are a very popular fruit that is often used in recipes. They have a sweet and tart flavor and can be used in place of pomegranate in recipes. It is frequently likened to a cross between a raspberry and grapes.
You can have either raw or cooked, and they are often used in jams, pies, and other desserts. You can also use it in smoothies, yogurt bowls, and other breakfast recipes.
3. Try SWEET LEMON Instead of Pomegranate in Juice or Smoothie
Sweet Lemon is a fruit that is used to make juice. It has a sweet and sour taste.
You can use Sweet Lemon in the place of Pomegranate in a recipe. Sweet Lemon can also be used in various sectors.
Store Sweet Lemon in a refrigerator for up to two weeks.
4. CRANBERRIES Are Decent Alternative To Pomegranate
Cranberries juice is similar to Pomegranate in that it can be used as a substitute for pomegranate, but not exactly.
Cranberries are small, red fruit which is primarily grown in colder climates. These berries have a sour taste with a hint of sweetness.
One is the fact that many people who don’t like the taste of red wine or vinegar find cranberry tastes refreshing and natural without any sweetener needed at all!
5. Use RASPBERRIES Look Like Pomegranate
Raspberries are small, red, and tart berries related to blackberries. The fruit is soft and hollow inside, with smooth skin.
Raspberries have a sweet-tart taste that is unique among fruits. Raspberries are used instead of pomegranates in food, beverages.
They are used in the production of jams, jellies, pies, cobblers, smoothies, and wine. Raspberries are also used in supplements, healthy foods.
Raspberries can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to six months.
6. FROZEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS for Pomegranate Substitute
Frozen pomegranate seeds are the seeds that have been removed from pomegranate fruit and then frozen. They can be substituted for fresh pomegranate seeds in recipes.
Frozen pomegranate seeds can be used in various sectors. They can be applied as a food ingredient in drinks, yogurt, salads, desserts, and other dishes.
Frozen pomegranate seeds can be stored for a long time under proper conditions (low temperature). Frozen pomegranate seeds are available to buy at some stores.
They can also be made at home by freezing the seeds that have been removed from pomegranate fruit.
7. Substitute Pomegranate With Pomegranate Syrup
Pomegranate Syrup is an all-natural sweetener made from the juice of fresh pomegranates. It has a fruity, tart flavor that can add depth of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
You can use Pomegranate Syrup in place of pomegranate in most recipes. It’s also great in sauces, marinades, salads, and desserts.
Pomegranate Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.
Substitute for pomegranate molasses
If you cannot find pomegranate molasses, you can use other types of molasses as a substitute.
Blackstrap molasses is a good option, as it has a strong flavor that will complement the pomegranate. If you use blackstrap molasses, you will need to use less than the recipe calls for, as it is much more potent than pomegranate molasses.
Additionally, you can substitute balsamic vinegar and add some sugar to sweeten it up a little bit. The sugar will also help the sauce thicken up a small amount over time, while the vinegar keeps the flavors nice and tart.
You may need to tweak the quantities of balsamic vinegar and sugar to acquire the flavor you want.
You can also use grape molasses, a thick dark syrup made from grapes. It has a strong flavor and can be used to substitute for pomegranate molasses.
Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar can also be used as sweeteners ( more natural sugar). If you are using any of these substitutes, start with a small amount and add more until you reach the desired flavor.
Substitute for pomegranate juice
There are many substitutes for pomegranate juice that you can use in your recipes.
Suppose you don’t have any pomegranate juice on hand. In that case, you can use apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, or orange juice & its Alternatives.
You can create your own juice by combining these juices to create your own version of pomegranate juice.
Alternatives for pomegranate seeds
There are a few different ways to substitute for pomegranate seeds in a recipe.
One option is to use dried cranberries or cherries.
Another option is to use chopped-up figs or apricots. Lastly, you could also use raisins or currants.
All of these substitutes will give your dish a similar tart and juicy flavor.
So, if you’re exploring a way to get that pomegranate flavor without using the seeds, give one of these substitutes a try!
What is the difference between pomegranate molasses and syrup?
Pomegranate molasses is a thick, dark syrup made from the juice and boiled-down rinds of pomegranates. It has a tart, fruity flavor and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Pomegranate molasses can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Pomegranate syrup is diluted pomegranate juice that has been sweetened. It’s a light pink color and tastes a bit like a tart, fruity cranberry sauce.
Pomegranate syrup can be used in both sweet and savory dishes and on desserts, drinks, and more.
Both products need to be refrigerated after opening, and pomegranate syrup is a thicker sweetener than molasses.
My Favourite Pomegranate Substitutes –
· Fresh Pomegranate juice
· Cranberries
· Dries Pomegranate seeds
· Apricots
FAQs Related To Pomegranate & Its Alternatives
Q1. Is Grenadine the same as pomegranate molasses?
Absolutely not. While both are tart, sweet syrups are made from pomegranates.
While grenadine is usually artificially colored and flavored (or contains no juice at all); while true grenadine is simply reduced pomegranate juice that’s lightly sweetened.
On the other hand, Pomegranate molasses is a thick, dark, and intensely flavored syrup made from whole pomegranates that are boiled down to a concentrated syrup.
Q2. Do you have to wash pomegranate seeds before you eat them?
Pomegranates are coated in a hard rind that needs to be removed before you can eat the seeds.
Some people choose to wash the seeds after removing the rind, while others do not.
There is no right or wrong answer, as both methods are safe and will not affect the taste of the seeds.
If you choose to wash the seeds, make sure to use cold water. Rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry before eating.
Washing the seeds will remove any traces of the rind and help to ensure that they are clean and free of bacteria.
If you do not choose to wash the seeds, make sure to eat them soon after removing the rind.
The seeds are less likely to spoil if they are not exposed to water, but it is still important that you eat them within a reasonable amount of time.
Do not store them in the refrigerator.
Pomegranates can be eaten raw, so the only real difference between washing them and not washing them is whether or not you are eating them right after peeling.
Q3. What can be used instead of dried pomegranate?
Tamarind can be used instead of dried pomegranate. Or, if the recipe allows for it, you can try to leave out the pomegranate entirely.
Q4. Can I substitute balsamic vinegar for pomegranate molasses?
Yes, You can Use Balsamic Vinegar for Pomegranate Molasses but in some conditions. I mention below-
If a recipe calls for Pomegranate Molasses and you don’t own it, Balsamic Vinegar can be substituted.
However, keep in mind that pomegranate molasses are much sweeter and less acidic than balsamic vinegar, so you need to consider the recipe’s other ingredients.
Some recipes that might work well with pomegranate molasses include a salad dressing or marinade made of olive oil, lemon juice or lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you wish to add.
You could also try using it in a glaze for chicken or pork or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Just be sure to taste the recipe as you go to make sure the flavors are balanced and that the pomegranate molasses isn’t overpowering any of the other ingredients.
Q5. Can you substitute cranberry juice for pomegranate juice?
Yes, you can substitute cranberry juice for pomegranate juice in most recipes.
Cranberry juice has a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with sweet foods, while pomegranate juice has a more complex, fruity flavor.
If you are using cranberry juice as a substitute for pomegranate juice in a recipe, try to use an equivalent amount of cranberry juice as the recipe calls for pomegranate juice.
If your recipe calls for 1 cup (240 grams) of pomegranate juice, you can substitute 1 cup (240 grams) of cranberry juice instead.
Remember that both cranberries and pomegranates are very tart, so you’ll need to adjust the sugar or other sweeteners in your recipe accordingly.
You can also substitute pomegranate molasses for pomegranate juice in many recipes.