November 1 - National Pomegranate Month

 

Happy National Pomegranate Month! This month is an annual designation observed in November.  

Pomegranates date back to ancient civilizations throughout the Mediterranean, and they are also featured in the Holy Bible, as well as in ancient Egyptian mythology and art. 

The pomegranate tree is native to Iran and the Himalayas in northern India, and used to be carried by desert caravans because of its thirst-quenching abilities.  

Today we enjoy pomegranates in a wide variety of dishes and drinks, because it’s so healthy and almost tastes like candy!  

Research shows they are among the healthiest fruits in the world because of their wide range of beneficial plant compounds that other foods do not contain. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Enjoy the following “tried and true” pomegranate recipes. 

Brenda’s Apple and Pomegranate Crisp 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/77493/brendas-apple-and-pomegranate-crisp/?internalSource=recipe%20hub&referringId=1111&referringContentType=recipe%20hub 

Herbed Pomegranate Salsa 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/38034/herbed-pomegranate-salsa/?internalSource=rotd&referringId=1111&referringContentType=recipe%20hub 

Spiced Pears and Pomegranate 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/56148/spiced-pears-and-pomegranate/?internalSource=recipe%20hub&referringId=1111&referringContentType=recipe%20hub 

Spinach Pomegranate Salad 
 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/127167/spinach-pomegranate-salad/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=1111&referringContentType=recipe%20hub 

Whether you’re eating it or drinking it, take an aesthetically pleasing picture (it’s not difficult with such a beautiful fruit) and use #NationalPomegranateMonth to post on social media.  

Check out this list of some of the incredible health benefits pomegranates have to offer. 

1. 1. They are PACKED with important nutrients. I mean, packed. They contain fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium. 

2. 2. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory effects. This means they can mediate diseases and conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even obesity. 

3. 3. Studies show they can help fight prostate and breast cancer. 

4. 4. Regular consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks. 

5. 5. If you have joint pain, try some pomegranate seeds or juice. Its anti-inflammatory effects can even help treat arthritis. 

6. 6. Pomegranates may even help you exercise. Studies show intake of pomegranates increases blood flow which can help you perform better in a workout. 

HISTORY 

 

In the research by National Day Calendar®, they were unable to find the creator of National Pomegranate Month. 

#NationalPomegranateMonth 

@pomwonderful 

@allrecipes 

@JellyBellyUSA 

@nichecinema 

November 1 - National Vinegar Day

 

Happy National Vinegar Day! On November 1, today not only makes things taste great, but it also makes things sparkle as well. 

Vinegar is produced either by a fast or a slow fermentation process. 

Slow methods are generally used with traditional vinegar and the fermentation proceeds slowly over the course of months or up to a year. 

This household staple freshens a salad and brightens windows. 

While vinegar is common, it’s also one of the most useful household items made. Whether cooking or cleaning, be sure to add vinegar to your shopping list. 

 

There are many varieties of vinegar: 

 

• • Apple cider – Made primarily from apple juice, yeast turns the juice to vinegar. 

• • Balsamic – This darker and intensely acidic vinegar is made from grapes. It makes an excellent salad dressing and can also be cooked down into a syrup. 

• • Beer or Malt – The vinegar comes in a variety of flavors all determined by the beer or malt used to make it. This type of vinegar brings complex flavors to your cooking. Whether making a sauce or a marinade, you won’t go wrong. 

• • Cane – Made from sugar cane syrup, this vinegar is mellow with a mild sweetness. Use it in vinaigrettes or sauces.

  • Coconut – Made from the sap produced by the flowers of coconut trees, this vinegar adds sweetness to soups and salad dressings. It’s most often found in Asian and Indian cuisine but is subtle enough to be used in many other recipes. 

• • Distilled – This powerhouse vinegar made from grain alcohol both cleans and makes great pickles. It is the most versatile of the vinegars. However, it must be pointed out that other vinegars make great pickles, too.

  • Red wine – Made from red wine, this vinegar makes an excellent marinade for red meats. Use it to deglaze a pan before making a sauce. It also complements vegetables. 

• • Rice – This sweeter vinegar makes great sauces that pair well with fried foods, Asian cuisine and cooked vegetables. 

But those aren’t all. You can also explore flavored vinegars, honey, palm, raisin, and kombucha vinegars, too! 

Vinegar is: 

 

• • Most commonly used in food preparation such as pickling processes, vinaigrettes and other salad dressings 

• • An essential ingredient in mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce and mayonnaise 

• • A popular condiment for fish and chips 

• • Flavoring for potato chips 

• • Used as a dip for crab meat 

• • A substitute for fresh lemon juice 

• • Ingredient in a sauce when roasting lamb 

• • Used in sushi rice 

• • Commonly put into mint sauce 

• • Ingredient in making some beverages 

• • Used for medical remedies and treatments 

• • Ideal for cleaning 

• • Essential in-home canning 

• • Used in gardening and pest control 

Some forms of vinegar are believed to have health benefits. 

To learn more about vinegar, see: http://www.versatilevinegar.org/vinegarlore.html 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

vinegar offers us so many ways to celebrate! If you’re not sure where to start, simple try making a batch of refrigerator pickles.  

You can also explore making your own vinegar from your favorite base ingredient. There are numerous recipes out there for this ancient practice.  

Share your favorite recipes for sauces or dressings, too. Where will you start? Let National Day Calendar® know using #NationalVinegarDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues researching this vinegary holiday. 

 

#NationalVinegarDay

@VersatileVinegar 

@heinz 

@bragglivefoods 

@nichecinema