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Learn how to cut a pomegranate to quickly and easily remove the seeds to use in your favorite recipes. It’s easy when you know how!
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If you’ve stayed away from prepping fresh pomegranates, I’m going to show you how quick and easy it is to remove those beautiful seeds! Pomegranates are in season in late fall through winter (October through January) which means they are great garnishes for all your holiday recipes.
The seeds can be used in all kinds of sweet and savory recipes, as well as for juice or as garnishes for holiday cocktails.
For more cooking tips and tricks, be sure to check out How To Cook Rice and How to Make Cauliflower Rice.
What you need
- Pomegranate
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Water
How to cut a pomegranate
Follow my step-by-step instructions below for cutting a pomegranate easily and mess-free.
- Cut a circle around the top of the pomegranate using a sharp paring knife (the top looks like a crown – this is the blossom end).
- Make shallow cuts along the ridges of the pomegranate, around 5 – 6 cuts. After you make the cuts, use your hands to open the fruit and gently divide it into segments.
- Submerge the pomegranate in the bowl with water, and use your hands to gently remove the seeds from the skin and membranes while still under water. You can also whack the outer side of the pomegranate with the back of a wooden spoon while still holding it in the palm of your hand to help the seeds fall into the bowl.
- The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the white, spongy membranes will float to the top. Skim off the white bits, and drain the seeds.
What does pomegranate taste like?
The pomegranate seeds (arils) taste fairly similar to cranberries, They are slightly tart with a subtle sweetness in each bite. They are fruity and slightly sour. This flavor profile means they are easily used in both sweet and savory recipes.
Benefits of eating pomegranate
Pomegranates are an amazing fruit to incorporate into a well-balanced diet. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin K), potassium, and other key nutrients. The juice of one pomegranate contains more than 40% more vitamin C than the recommended daily intake. They can help improve digestion and contain folate and potassium. You can read more about its health benefits here.
How to eat a pomegranate
You can eat the pomegranate seeds or make fresh pomegranate juice from them. Both the arils and the juice of pomegranates are packed with antioxidants. The crunchy arils make a delicious topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or sprinkled onto a salad. The juice is delicious added to smoothies and cocktails!
Does pomegranate stain?
The juice of pomegranate will stain, so it’s best not to cut it open straight down the middle. This breaks the seeds open and the juice will escape. By cutting it at the top, you don’t disturb the seeds. To be extra safe, don’t use your best chopping board and wear an apron but this method of cutting the pomegranate will mean that the juice doesn’t escape.
How to choose your pomegranate
Follow these tips and tricks to select the freshest, juiciest, and best-tasting pomegranate in the store.
- Select a heavy pomegranate. The weight signifies how juicy it will be.
- The skin should be deep in color and glossy.
- Don’t choose a perfectly round pomegranate. As the fruit ripens, the juice inside will expand and the sides will be slightly flattened.
- They should be hard with no soft spots.
How To Store Pomegranate Seeds
- Store fresh pomegranate seeds for up to 5 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
- The seeds can be frozen for later use: Spread the seeds, in a single layer, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pat them dry. Freeze, then store in a ziplock bag in the freezer.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Because pomegranate juice stains everything, it is best to remove the pomegranate arils in a bowl with water to prevent from juice spraying everywhere.
- Make sure you cut along the gentle ridges on the outside of the pomegranate, just through the red part of the pomegranate skin. You can feel the ridges with your fingers or look for a slight dent on the skin.
More Cooking Guides
How To Cut a Pomegranate
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Ingredients
- 1 pomegranate
- large bowl of water
- Knife
Instructions
- Cut a circle around the top of the pomegranate using a sharp paring knife (the top looks like a crown).
- Make shallow cuts along the ridges of the pomegranate, around 5 – 6 cuts. After you make the cuts, use your hands to open the fruit and gently divide it into segments.
- Submerge the pomegranate in the bowl with water, and use your hands to gently remove the seeds from the skin and membranes while still under water.
- The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the white, spongy membranes will float to the top. Skim off the white bits, and drain the seeds.
Notes
- Pomegranate juice stains everything, it is best to remove the pomegranate arils in a bowl with water to prevent from juice spraying everywhere.
- Make sure you cut along the gentle ridges on the outside of the pomegranate, just through the red part of the pomegranate skin. You can feel the ridges with your fingers or look for a slight dent on the skin.
