South Asia

Anardana / Dried Pomegranate

Punica granatum, seeds dried whole.

Seed (with clinging dried pulp).

Part Used

Whole dried seeds or ground powder.

Form

Anardana (Hindi).

India (especially northern regions and areas bordering Afghanistan/Kashmir).

Tart, fruity-sour, with a raisin-like sweetness underneath the tartness.

Souring and flavoring agent, especially in North Indian and Kashmiri cooking.

Anardana chutney; stuffed parathas; chaat masala.

Cumin, chile, coriander.

Whole seeds can be added early in a simmer; ground powder can go in at any stage.

Whole seeds keep well over a year sealed and dark.

Pomegranate molasses (a Middle Eastern product) in a pinch, though the flavor and form differ.

A distinct product from fresh pomegranate arils, valued specifically for its dried, concentrated tartness rather than fresh juiciness.

Chaat masala (some formulations).