Red jewels

Many people have a love/hate relationship with pomegranates—those seedy, leathery fruit bombs that grow abundantly here. Originally from Spain via China, pomegranates are known for their plethora of jewel-red seeds. Choose heavy, plump fruits that aren't dried out and pick out the seeds under water to prevent them from staining your hands. Or roll the whole fruit to release the juice and cut off one end. Whole arils add an astringent crunch to salads and risottos. Historically the symbol of the Spanish city Granada, they're also the source of grenadine syrup used in cocktails and Shirley Temples.