Thanks to their bold red hue and tangy, sweet flavor, pomegranates are loved all around the world.
They taste amazing added to salads, sprinkled over desserts, or just eaten with a spoon as a healthy snack!
Despite their popularity, when it comes to cutting a pomegranate, many people are stumped.
Their tough outer exterior can be intimidating, but if you can relate, keep reading!
You’ll learn how to cut a pomegranate properly in this post.
We’ve also included how to tell if a pomegranate is ripe, as well as how to store your pomegranate seeds to maximize their freshness.
Pomegranates: The Basics
Pomegranates are a shrub that is classed as a berry.
The shrub creates a tangy fruit with a bold red color.
Their tougher, deep red exterior isn’t edible, but the seeds inside them, around 600 in number, are.
These tasty seeds are covered by a juicy coat, called an aril.
The majority of pomegranates grown in the U.S. are sourced from California.
The pomegranate season begins in September and ends in December.
Peak growth supplies occur around October and November.
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate
There hasn’t been much research that suggests pomegranate seeds cause weight loss, but pomegranate seeds are full of fiber and low in calories.
Fiber is important for weight loss as it helps keep us satiated.
If we are fuller throughout the day, we are less likely to fill up on unhealthy snacks
The nutritional benefits of pomegranate are the result of the arils.
This is the sweet, juicy flesh that coats the pomegranate seeds.
The arils are packed with potassium, as well as vitamins B6 and C.
The seeds are also a good source of magnesium, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Pomegranate’s bold red hue is the result of significant antioxidants, known as polyphenols.
The juice from its arils contains more antioxidants than several fruit juices.
They also contain 3 x more antioxidants than green tea or red wine.
Is My Pomegranate Ripe?
When the pomegranate season starts, look for the fruit which has firm, smooth, and shiny skin.
There shouldn’t be any bruising or cracks on its surface.
Pick up the pomegranate and get a feel for how heavy it is.
The fruit’s seeds should account for around 50% of the pomegranate’s weight.
If it seems light for its size, look for a heavier pomegranate.
How To Cut A Pomegranate
Now that you know a little more about pomegranates, we can cover how to cut and deseed one.
Before we get into the method, keep in mind that pomegranate juice can stain badly.
This cutting method shouldn’t produce a lot of juice, but it’s a good idea to wear old clothes to avoid ruining any loved garments.
Pomegranate juice can also stain wooden chopping boards, so it’s best to use a plastic one.
If you end up staining your chopping board, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to remove the pink stains.
You Will Need
- One pomegranate
- Sharp knife
- Paring knife
- Chopping board
Steps
Step 1: Slice A Thin Portion On The Bottom Of The Fruit:
Use a sharp knife to cut a quarter of an inch off of the pomegranate’s stem end.
Position this end down on the board to balance the fruit.
The pomegranate’s blossom side, which resembles a crown, should face upwards.
Step 2: Cut The Crown From The Fruit:
With your paring knife, cut a circle at a slight angle around the fruit’s crown, then cut it out.
Step 3: Make Shallow Cuts On The Fruit’s Surface:
Find the light ridges around the surface of the pomegranate.
Cut along these ridges through the fruit’s skin, from top to bottom.
Make around six cuts in total.
If you cannot feel or see any ridges, make a few light cuts from top to bottom.
Don’t cut too deeply, as you want to avoid cutting any of its seeds beneath the surface.
Step 4: Open The Pomegranate
Use your fingers to open the pomegranate.
This should open without much force, revealing the seeds. Keep opening up all of the six sections. You may want to work over a large bowl, as any loose seeds will fall into the vessel.
Step 5: Remove The Seeds From The Membranes
Use your fingers to work away the seeds from the pomegranate’s membranes and peel.
You can fill the larger bowl with some water.
The seeds will fall to the base of the bowl, but the membrane pieces will float to the top.
This will make it easier to remove the membranes from the seeds.
If you are worried about staining your work surface, you can open the fruit and remove the seeds from beneath the water, but this shouldn’t be necessary unless its seeds have been cut.
After you have finished prying the seeds from the pomegranate’s membranes and skin, remove the membranes from the water’s surface, then use a colander to strain the fruit’s seeds.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Spoon the pomegranate seeds into a serving bowl and eat as desired.
Take care when you eat them, as it’s easy to drop pomegranate seeds on the floor.
If somebody steps on these and they become squished, the fruit will stain.
How To Store Pomegranate Seeds
Unless you’re eating them immediately, pomegranate seeds should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
They will last between three and four days in the fridge.
If you want them to last for longer, you can keep them in the freezer for a maximum of six months.
To freeze the pomegranate, lay the seeds in one layer on a cookie sheet, then freeze them for an hour. Once the time is up, transfer the seeds to an airtight freezer bag.
The baking sheet method will prevent freezer burn, ensuring the seeds taste as fresh as possible.
Final Thoughts
Pomegranates are incredibly tasty and have a lot of health benefits, but as the outer shell is inedible, you’ll need to cut the fruit to obtain its juicy seeds.
The method above is one of the best for cutting pomegranates, as it doesn’t release a lot of messy juices.
Still, it’s best to wear old clothes and opt for a plastic chopping board when you cut the fruit, as the juices run the risk of staining.
Ingredients
- 1 2 tbsp vodka
- 1 2 tbsp pomegranate juice
- ½ 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ 1 tbsp simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake the mixture for about 15 seconds until it becomes cold.
- Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass.
- Use a knife to remove a 1-inch wide strip of lemon peel and squeeze it into the drink to release its oils.
- Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass and place it in the drink.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.