According to Mintel Menu Insights, the usage of pomegranate in food and beverage menu items is increasing. From January 2005 through June 2006, more than 60 new menu items containing pomegranate were added to restaurant menus, from fine dining to quick service concepts. Pomegranate has been used to flavor salads, soups, entrées, desserts, smoothies and cocktails.
Unique applications of pomegranate in menu items include vinaigrettes, sauces, molasses and glazes. Fine dining restaurant Farallon serves Butternut Squash Ravioli with crispy chestnuts, sage and pomegranate brown butter. Evans Street Station adds a new twist to the ever more popular Chocolate Lava Cake with pomegranate-raspberry and kiwi sauces.