THE SWEET Our red pomegranates, grown in California, are eating pomegranates. From late August through January, look for deep red fruit, four to six inches in diameter, with soft, smooth skin. Sweet pomegranate juice is available at health food stores and, above, makes a refreshing drink.

AND THE SOUR The yellow sour fruits are not sold here, but Middle Eastern groceries sell pomegranate syrup, also called pomegranate molasses, made from juice of the sour variety cooked down with a little sugar. Look for Cortas brand pomegranate molasses from Lebanon, below. In recipes calling for sour pomegranate juice, dilute 1 tablespoon of pomegranate syrup in 1 cup of warm water. Alternatively, you can use sweet pomegranate juice, soured with 1 tablespoon of strained fresh lemon or lime juice per cup of pomegranate juice.