Rubies in the Orchard

Isn't that a great blog post title? It's actually the title of Lynda Resnick's book, who is the marketing genius behind POM Wonderful, FIJI water, Teleflora, and the Franklin Mint. I really admire her; she is such a smart, creative business woman, and I'm looking forward to reading her book and blog. She and her team at POM Wonderful have made the company into what it is today.

I've never visited an orchard before, let alone a pomegranate orchard. It's kind of a magical place. It really, really is. Rows and rows of beautiful boundless trees, adorned with bright red fruit, just waiting to be picked. It made me wild and I wanted to run through the trees and find a spot to lie down and look at the clouds.


But I couldn't leave my group and get lost in the pomegranate orchards in California. Although, I wouldn't have to worry about starving because LOOK AT ALL OF THOSE POMEGRANATES! I would be healthier than ever. I don't know if you realize how good pomegranates are for you; they're filled with powerful antioxidents, and they're good for your heart. Pomegranate juice has demonstrated a superior ability to neutralize harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body. Free radicals come from air pollution, alcohol, pesticides, sunlight, tobacco smoke, drugs, fried foods, and even stress.


This is Brad. He is the the vice president and general manager for POM Wonderful. He gave us a tour of the orchards and taught us all kinds of things about pomegranates, including how to cut one.


He was slicing pomegranates and giving us samples - right there in the orchard.


Look at these beautiful arils. Look at that color! How can they not be good for you?


These are one of the most delicious things I've eaten. I've been using the arils almost every day in something. I love them in salads, couscous, oatmeal and cereal.


Then, it was time to pick a pomegranate!


There I go...

Look at those muscular arms! It kind of looks like I have man-hands, too.


It looks like a Christmas tree! I ended up taking five large ones with me, haha. Maybe I overdid it. I had a hell of a time getting them home in my carry on bag.


After touring the orchards and some downtime, we met in the lobby and went to dinner at the Vintage Press.

POM had a very special dinner planned for us, with an incredible menu.



I will spare you the food pictures I took, because, honestly, they're terrible. They're blurry and dark and don't do the food justice.


This is me with Shirley and Bren. At the dinner the POM team explained why we were chosen for this experience. I thought maybe they randomly drew numbers and that's how we were picked, but that wasn't true. They started out with a list of fifty-or-so bloggers and then narrowed it down. Each blog was picked for specific reasons! Isn't that amazing? I feel so honored. POM loves and appreciates bloggers, and knows how powerful a blog can be. I bet they'll pick more people and do something similar to this soon.


The next day was our last day, but before we caught our flights home, we were able to tour the POM factory, where they bring in the fresh pomegranates to sell, and also where they make the juice and tea.


That's right - they grow their own pomegranates right there in the area and then make their own juice. I was so impressed with their company. They are all about quality and will do everything they can to give you the best product.


I didn't get very many pictures of the factory because a lot of it is top secret, like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. They have all kinds of secret, advanced technological equipment that they didn't want their competitors knowing about. I bet Welches is just dyyiiinnng to know how their juice is so perfect. And where they're getting their oompa loompas from. Here is a secret for you: they have a river of pomegranate juice running throughout the factory that you can take gondola boat rides on.


After the tour we hopped into our vans, went to the airport, and flew home.
Thank you to POM for the experience of a lifetime! I will never forget it.

Ahhhh home-sweet-home. My trips and trip posts have been fun, but I'm ready to get back to blogging about desserts! Sorry it took me so long to get this massive post up; this week has been crazy busy for me. Yesterday I spent all day shopping for Halloween costumes for Eric and me, because we're going to a party tonight. I'll be honest, our costume idea is pretty spectacular. Check back next week for pictures! Teehee.

I'm disappointed I didn't get any treat recipes posted for Halloween. But maybe the best treat recipes come afterwards? Leftover Halloween candy! Wheeee!
Happy Halloween! Hope you all have a blast.