Pomegranates and their other-worldly beauty have captured imaginations since ancient times. The goddess Demeter lost her daughter Persephone to Hades, lord of the underworld, because of this scarlet fruit, and some biblical scholars believe it, not the apple, led Eve to temptation.

A symbol of fertility and eternal life, this ruby-hued jewel beguiles with more than just the huge burst of sweet-tart juice from every tiny seed. It's also full of vitamin C and potassium, as well as polyphenols, the same cancer-fighting and heart-healthy antioxidants found in red wine. (Go for fresh juice to really reap the benefits.) If you think pomegranates are only for eating out of hand, refer to the following recipes for a little divine inspiration.

This whole roast chicken is flavored with a pomegranate-juice glaze and decorated with thyme and pomegranate seeds.

Charred bell peppers, pitted dates, and toasted walnuts -- topped with juicy pomegranate seeds -- make a savory dip, perfect for whole-wheat pita bread.

Add tropical flavor to a nutrient-rich sweet potato by topping it with cilantro, coconut flakes, and pomegranate seeds.

Golden raisins, parsley leaves, and ruby-red pomegranate seeds add color to this fiber-rich bulgur salad.

Pomegranate seeds, rich in plant compounds, enhance the already potent antioxidant activity in a hot cup of green tea with lemon and honey.

Venison is naturally lean, has no internal fat, and is especially suited to a quick, high-heat roast. The coating's assertive mix of juniper berries and Szechuan and black peppercorns locks in the meat's juices. Each chop is drizzled with a ruby-red sauce made from the pan juices and sweet-tart pomegranate juice, available in specialty and gourmet stores.

The sunflower seeds and spinach in this salad are top-notch sources of magnesium, which enables your body to create dopamine. The avocado's vitamin B6 produces serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter.

Citrus never becomes boring when you mix together juice from a variety of fruits, including grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, and tangelos. Add pomegranate juice for a dose of color, flavor, and antioxidants.

Cranberries, citrus, and pomegranates all harbor antioxidants such as vitamin C that boost your immunity -- perfect for when you feel a cold or flu coming on.

You'll find pomegranate molasses (a syruplike reduction of nutrient-rich pomegranate juice) at Middle Eastern markets and specialty stores.

This creative dessert is made with pomegranate and orange juice, green grapes, and agar, a seaweed-based gelatin substitute.

Unsweetened pomegranate juice blended with mixed berries makes a refreshing and detoxifying frozen drink.

With more than a dozen varieties on the market, vodka leads the organic liquor trend. Add juice from in-season tangerines and pomegranates for a sweet and tangy festive drink.

Smoothies offer incredible versatility: You can use whatever's in season. The berries combined with pomegranate juice give this drinkable breakfast an extra antioxidant boost.