Pomegranate, a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub scientifically known as Punica granatum, is a beloved gem in the realm of fruits for its distinctive flavor and multitude of health benefits.
It can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) high, producing fruits about 2–5 inches (5–12 cm) in diameter.
Inside the thick-skinned fruit are approximately 600 arils, or edible seeds, which can be enjoyed raw or processed into a juice.
Removing the pomegranate seeds can prove challenging, but knowing the right technique can make the process a breeze.
This article explains how to remove pomegranate seeds easily and offers suggestions for incorporating them into your diet.
In this article
2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate
Two simple ways to remove pomegranate seeds are with a spoon or knife.
With a spoon
One popular and easy method for removing pomegranate seeds involves using a wooden spoon.
First, cut the fruit in half around the middle. Then, hold it over a bowl with the seed side facing down.
Firmly hit the pomegranate skin with the back of a wooden spoon until all the seeds have fallen out.
You can fill the bowl halfway with water so the seeds sink to the bottom while pieces of the pith float to the top. This makes it easier to separate the seeds.
Rinse and strain the seeds to remove any unwanted pith remnants. Now, the arils are ready to enjoy.
Scoring with a knife
Another equally popular and effective method of retrieving pomegranate seeds is to use a knife to score the fruit.
First, using a paring knife, remove the little stem at the top of the fruit, known as the flower.
Then, score the sides by cutting the skin between the ridges from top to bottom. Make six evenly-spaced cuts around the fruit if you can’t feel the ridges.
Don’t make the cuts too deep to prevent the juices from escaping.
Next, grip the fruit and place your thumbs at the top where the flower was. Gently pull apart the fruit to separate the sections.
Doing this over a bowl may be helpful so all the loose seeds are caught.
To continue, peel off the white membrane surrounding each seed section.
Lastly, working over a bowl or clean surface, pull the edges of each section back towards you to push the seeds out and into the bowl.
Depending on the ripeness of the fruit and how easily the seeds come out, you may have to rub some seeds to detach them gently.
Now, they’re ready to enjoy.
Summary: You can remove the tasty pomegranate seeds from the fruit using a wooden spoon or paring knife.
Easy ways to add pomegranate to your diet
Pomegranate seeds are delicious and versatile, making them easy additions to various dishes.
Here are some ways you can enjoy pomegranate seeds:
- Toss them into a green or fruit salad.
- Sprinkle some seeds onto your yogurt or oatmeal.
- Add them to smoothies or juices.
- Use pomegranate seeds as a tangy garnish on avocado toast.
- Garnish roasted or grilled meat dishes with the tasty seeds.
- Add them to sangria, cocktails, or mocktails.
- Eat them fresh from the fruit.
Summary: Pomegranate seeds are a versatile and flavorful addition to sweet and savory dishes.
Helpful tips
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your pomegranate experience:
- Choose a ripe fruit. Not only is it easier to remove the seeds from ripe fruit, but they taste better too. The fruit should be heavy with firm skin. Note that small scratches on the skin won’t affect the inside.
- Only eat the seeds. Though the white, pithy part is safe to eat, it’s bitter, and most people choose to discard it. The skin is also technically edible but generally used in extract and powdered forms.
- Freeze the seeds. You can store leftover pomegranate seeds in your freezer for up to 12 months. Fold them on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then collect them in freezer bags.
Summary: To better enjoy your pomegranate, choose a ripe fruit, eat only the seeds, and freeze leftovers for later use.
Summary
The pomegranate is a fruit with delicious, edible seeds.
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Hitting the back of a pomegranate cut in half with a wooden spoon or scoring the fruit to separate sections are two simple and effective ways to remove the seeds.
This process is easier when the fruit is ripe.
Once removed, you can enjoy the bright, ruby-red seeds plain or add them to your favorite recipes for a tangy yet sweet, refreshing flavor.
