Pomegranate

Earlier this week, we learned about pomegranates in my class. I wrote to the parents and told them about the experience. I said, "Don't be surprised if your child asks if you can buy pomegranates next time you're at the store." Sure enough, several moms wrote back and said that is exactly what their son or daughter did!

I have heard that pomegranates are the "Friendship Fruit." When you want to get to know someone you should share a pomegranate with them. Since they take so long to eat, by the time you are finished eating the pomegranate, you will have learned several new things about that person and you will have made a new friend. 

My class was hesitant at first, not knowing quite what to expect from this strange looking fruit. We started by looking at photos of a pomegranate on the tree, and pictures of pomegranate blossoms. Next we looked at and felt a real pomegranate. The colour, the texture, and the place where the blossom died to make way for the fruit. 

Then, I cut it open and gave everyone a few seeds to try. Every child tried it. My rule is that unless there is an allergy, you must try the food I serve in my class. You do NOT have to like it, you do not even have to finish it. But, you must try it. Most times, children are surprised that they actually like something that they haven't tried before. 

As you can see, they loved it. All but one girl came back for seconds and thirds! 

I asked my class to describe the pomegranate and this is the list they came up with:

- juicy

- sour

- red (and white and pink)

- good for sharing

- friendly :) 

- delicious

- sweet

- hard inside

- colourful

- fun to eat

- yummy