What it is for
They set the balance. Acid cuts fat, reins in sweetness, denatures protein and triggers leaveners. When a dish tastes like something is missing, it is usually acid rather than salt.
Where it catches you out
Heat drives the aroma out of acid. Squeeze the lemon at the table, not into the pot, and add vinegar at the end.
The knack
Distinguish pomegranate molasses from sweetened pomegranate-flavoured sauce; equal spoon volumes need not contain equal sugar.
Storage and health
How to keep it, and who it suits.
Keeping it
Keep the unopened bottle in a cool, dark place for 1 year; after opening, refrigerate for 6 months.
Gluten-free
Pure pomegranate molasses is a fruit concentrate and contains no gluten grain.
