Ever wonder how to seed a pomegranate without making a huge mess? This step-by-step photo tutorial will show you just how easy it is.
When the height of pomegranate season hits, I often get plenty of questions on how to seed a pomegranate. If you are not familiar with eating pomegranates, they can be a somewhat baffling fruit to tackle.
I get it! For years, I steered clear of pomegranates because I heard stories of red-spattered kitchens and stained countertops when removing pomegranate seeds (called arils). But I was determined not to be bested by something that grows on a tree.
It turns out that it really isn't that difficult to release those crunchy, juicy seeds from their seemingly inhospitable casing.
Of course, there is more than one way to skin a…well, you know. (I have two felines that might be a little miffed if I completed that sentence.) Anyways, my point is this: if you have a tried and true method of seeding pomegranates other than the one outlined here, feel free to share it in the comments section.
And guess what? Pomegranate arils can also be frozen, which means you can buy and seed in bulk, and enjoy the benefits of pomegranates for months to come. More on that later. Plus, I'm sharing tips on choosing pomegranates.
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How to cut and seed a pomegranate
REMOVE THE ENDS: Cut the ends off of the pomegranate, but don't discard them. There are precious seeds still tucked inside of those ends!
CUT THE SECTIONS: Using a chef's knife, score the pomegranate between the natural breaks (white sections) between the seeds.
BREAK IT UP IN WATER: Place the pomegranate in a large bowl of water. Make sure that the water is high enough so that you can completely submerge the fruit. You want the juice to squirt into the water rather than out of the bowl (and onto your pretty white sweater...because, inevitably, that's what you'll be wearing when you splatter blood-red fruit juice all over your front).
Using your hands, break apart the pomegranate at the scored sections.
REMOVE THE ARILS: Now there are a couple of different ways to do the next part. I typically use the first method, but have been told by a friend that the second method is sure-fire and easier:
- Method 1: Use your fingers to remove the arils, separating them from the membranes.
- Method 2: Hold a pomegranate piece, aril-side down into the water, and whack the skin with a wooden spoon. The arils should fall out into the water. Sounds kind of fun, and oddly satisfying.
SCOOP OUT THE SHELL: The empty membranes of the pomegranate will float to the surface of the water, and the arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the membranes.
STRAIN OUT THE ARILS: Pour the contents of the bowl into a strainer.
Voilà...a bowlful of beautiful arils!
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How to choose a pomegranate
WEIGHT: Hold the pomegranate in your hand. As the seeds ripen and become juicier, the weight of the fruit increases. So, a ripe pomegranate should feel heavy relative to its size.
APPEARANCE: As tempting as it is to pick the pomegranate that's perfectly smooth and round, this is where the idea of "beauty in the imperfection" comes into play.
The pomegranate arils swell as they ripen (filling with juice!), which causes the exterior of the fruit to become more angular. Instead of picking the impeccably round pomegranate, pick the one that has angled sides.
THE SKIN: As the pomegranate ripens, the skin becomes softer. When a pomegranate is ripe, you should be able to scratch the skin without using much force.
SOUND: Full disclosure - I've never actually tried this method myself, but have been told by several gardening pros that ripe pomegranates have a slight metallic sound when tapped. Kind of like thumping a watermelon, but on a much smaller scale.
Storage and Freezing Tips
STORE WHOLE POMEGRANATES: When kept in a cool, dry place that is not in direct sunlight, whole pomegranates can be store for up to 2 months.
STORE POMEGRANATE ARILS: Once seeded, pomegranate arils can be store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend storing them in an airtight container.
FREEZE POMEGRANATE ARILS: To freeze pomegranate arils, dry them then spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that the arils are spread out and not touching each other (as much possible) so that they don't freeze in a clump.
Freeze on the lined baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours. Avoid freezing for longer so they don't form ice crystals. Transfer the seeds to a freezer resealable bag or an airtight freezer container. They should stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Ways to use pomegranate seeds
Pomegranates can add a burst of sweetness and a juicy crunch to a variety of dishes. Here are some creative and delicious ways to enjoy pomegranates:
1. Yogurt Parfait
- Layer pomegranate arils with Greek yogurt and granola for an easy yogurt breakfast parfait.
2. Salads
- Sprinkle pomegranate arils over green salads or grain bowls for a pop of color and sweetness. Try my Chopped Kale Salad with Pomegranate & Avocado and Pomegranate, Herbed Chickpea & Arugula Salad.
3. Breakfast Oatmeal
- Mix pomegranate seeds into your morning oatmeal or use a combination of pomegranate seeds and blueberries in my Blueberry Baked Oatmeal.
4. Sauces
- Fold pomegranate arils into your favorite guacamole, mix them into salsa (like my Pineapple Mango Salsa) and even use them for a creative accompaniment for meat, such as Cranberry, Apple & Pomegranate Sauce.
5. Desserts
- Garnish desserts like cakes, tarts, or ice cream with pomegranate arils. Or try one of my favorite holiday desserts, Meringues with Pomegranate & Pistachios.
6. Cocktails and Mocktails
- Drop a few pomegranate arils into your favorite cocktails or mocktails. Perfect for festive occasions!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Frozen pomegranate arils can be a convenient substitute for fresh ones in various recipes, such as smoothies, salads, or desserts. Allow them to thaw slightly before use or rinse them under cold water.
To minimize stains, wear an apron or clothes you don't mind staining. Work over a large bowl or in the sink to contain any potential splatter. Additionally, consider wearing food-grade plastic gloves to minimize staining on your hands.
It's not recommended to freeze whole pomegranates as the water content in the arils can cause the fruit to burst when frozen. It's better to seed the pomegranate first and freeze the arils.
Other "How To" Tutorials
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How to Seed a Pomegranate
Ingredients
- 1 whole pomegranate
Instructions
- Cut the ends off of the pomegranate, but don't discard them. There are precious seeds still tucked inside of those ends!
- Score the pomegranate between the natural breaks (white sections) between the seeds.
- Place the pomegranate in a large bowl of water.Make sure that the water is high enough so that you can completely submerge the fruit so that the juice squirts into the water, rather than out of the bowl.
- Using your hands, break apart the pomegranate at the scored sections.
- There are a couple of different ways to do the next part. I typically use the first method, but have been told by a friend that the second method is sure-fire and easier:
- Method 1: Use your fingers to remove the arils, separating them from the membranes.
- Method 2: Hold a pomegranate piece, aril-side down into the water, and whack the skin with a wooden spoon. The arils should fall out into the water.
- The empty membranes of the pomegranate will float to the surface of the water, and the arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the membranes.
- Pour the contents of the bowl into a strainer to capture the arils.
This post was first published on January 19, 2013 and was updated with new photos and text on December 8, 2023.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Deborah
I love this - and your photos are gorgeous!!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
That is the most stunning photo I've ever seen, Dara!!!!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
Great photos and directions--I'll share it with my chief pomegranate de-ariler, my daughter.
Thanks!
Aislinn
Hi,
Great post - thanks. I've been baffled by how to seed a pomegranate until last summer. Any suggested uses for the leftover water?
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
To be honest, I have always discarded the water. I don't know that the water is highly concentrated enough with pomegranate juice to add much flavor to anything (I try to keep as much of the juice inside the seeds as possible). If you figure out a good use, I'd be intrigued to know!
Linda Wright
Hey Dara, I remember by husband telling me stories about growing up in California. They had a pomegranate tree in their yard. They'd grab one off the tree, sit on the steps, and throw it on the ground to smash it open. I can't imagine what their fingers and sidewalk looked like!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Linda, I'll bet his mum loved that! 🙂 How wonderful to have a pomegranate tree...no hope for that here.
Kathy - Panini Happy
We love pomegranates - just had some seeds on my yogurt moments ago!! I've been having a lot of fun with the whacking method. 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I really need to try that whacking method!
Frank @Memorie di Angelina
Love the water bowl trick, would never have thought of that! I usually just mess up my hands and anything else in the area...
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I feel your pain, Frank! I hope you find this method easier.
Nicole
Many years ago a few friends and I were watching a movie and eating pomegranates. I was sitting on the couch in front of them, when the lights came on the back of my shirt was a mess! That shirt still sits in my closet as I haven't been able to throw it away, and I always pull it out when I am seeding pomegranates. Now it looks even worse than it did that night.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Nicole, that's too funny! Everyone needs an official pomegranate seeding shirt.
Whitney @ The Newlywed Chefs
Thanks for this post, Dara! Whenever I try seeding pomegranates, I end up with juice eeeeverywhere. You gave me a new look on the whole process. Take care!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Whitney, that used to be me. I hope you find this method less messy.
Jean
Hi Dara, I really enjoy your blog - photos, recipes, information - everything. And I love pomegranates - so colourful and nutritious. Bonus: you can stick a pomegranate with a wooden dowel and place it in your outdoor winter arrangements for a special hit of colour. Lasts right until spring.
For the last few years I've been using Martha Stewart's method of de-seeding pomegranates with the back of a wooden spoon (no water involved) and find it works really well, especially if you wear an apron and put the bowl inside the empty sink to confine any stray particles.
Keep up all the great work Cookin Canuck!!
Jean
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Hi Jean, I love the idea of using a pomegranate in a winter arrangement. So pretty!
I'll definitely check out the video. Thanks for adding the link and also for your kind comments.