Learn how to cut a pomegranate open (the best way) and remove the seeds with this easy, step-by-step tutorial! This simple method for seeding a pomegranate is simple and quick. You'll also find lots of recipe ideas for eating this delicious fruit, too!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ginnie's Take
Pomegranates are one of my favorite fruits! I love snacking on the tart, sweet seeds (which are also known as arils), and they're perfect for turning any seasonal recipe into a fancy treat. If you've never worked with pomegranates before, they can be a little intimidating though. Just how do you get those tiny seeds out, anyway?! But don't stress, because it's actually quite easy, especially with my helpful tips!
What You'll Learn
- How to Pick a Pomegranate - Learn how to select the best fruit at the grocery store.
- How to Cut / Peel a Pomegranate - Easily expose the seeds without damaging them.
- How to Remove the Seeds - There are many hacks out there, but I'm going to show you to best way to get out the seeds (without a lot of mess).
- How to Use the Seeds - Get tons of recipe ideas for everything from breakfast to dinner to dessert!
Jump to:
How to Choose a Good Pomegranate
Not sure what to look for at the grocery store? Because the fruit is picked when its already ripe, it's actually pretty hard to go wrong. According to the Pomegrante Council:
- Weight - Select poms that feels heavy. That means they're full of juicy seeds.
- Skin - The skin should look leathery and feel firm. Avoid fruit that feels soft or mushy.
- Color - The color can range from medium to deep red.
- Blemishes - Exterior blemishes do not affect the quality of the fruit, so don't worry if your poms are scratched up a bit.
How to Cut a Pomegranate
Seeding a pomegranate is actually pretty easy! Before getting started, wash the outside of the fruit with cool water. Then grab a sharp knife, and place a bowl in your sink to catch the seeds. Once you've done that, you can open the pomegranate:
- Cut a thin slice off both ends. Avoid cutting too deeply. Doing this makes it easier to open the fruit in step three.
- Score the outside of the fruit, dividing it into four quarters. Again, don't cut too deeply (about a ¼-inch / 6 milimeters) is more than enough.
- Use your hands to pry apart the fruit. Wedge your fingers into the the lines you just scored, and pull apart the fruit.
How to Get the Seeds Out
Once you've opened the fruit, use your fingers to remove the pomegranate seeds:
- Place a bowl in your sink. You'll use the bowl to catch the seeds.
- Press gently on seeds. With a little pressure, the seeds should pop right out.
- Remove the membrane. As you work, peel off and discard any white membrane that sticks to the seeds.
- Repeat this process. Continue removing the seeds from each section until they're all out. It sounds a bit tedious, but it actually goes by pretty quickly.
Okay, that's all there is to it! Time to enjoy your delicious seeds.
Pomegranate Hacks
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a few pomegranate hacks!
- Wood Spoon Method - One popular hack involves wacking the fruit (once you've opened it) with a wooden spoon. Supposedly, this makes the seeds come right out. My Verdict: It's much easier to just use your fingers. Plus, hitting the fruit makes a mess! You'll have pomegranate juice flying all over the place.
- Water Method - For this hack, you fill a bowl with water, then remove the seeds under the water (to contain the juice). You can also remove the white membrane by gently rub the seeds, and it will float to the top. My Verdict: This hack actually works, but I don't really think it's necessary. As long as you work in your sink, removing the seeds really isn't that messy, and the membrane aren't difficult to remove.
Helpful Tips + Tricks
Here are a few more tricks to make removing the seeds easier (and less messy):
- Stand over your sink. Removing the seeds can be messy, so place your bowl in your sink. An easy-to-clean sink will contain any spray, so you won't have stains to remove later.
- Wear a black shirt. A little mess is inevitable. To be on the save side, wear a black shirt (or a black apron) that doesn't show stains.
- Don't cut pomegranates in half (or chop them). If you do, you'll slice through and waste a bunch of seeds ... not to mention, create a big, juicy mess! Instead, use your fingers to pry them apart, like I showed you above.
- Avoid peeling the skin. There's no need to peel pomegranates, and you'll probably damage quite a few arils if you try.
How to Store
Whole pomegranates can be stored at room temperature for a few days. To keep them fresh longer, store them in a plastic bag in your refrigerator, and they'll keep for up to three months (depending on when they were picked).
Once you've removed the seeds, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to five days. To freeze the seeds, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Just keep in mind that the seeds may lose their shape once thawed, so they might be best for juice and sauces.
How to Eat the Seeds (Recipe Ideas)
There are so many delicious ways to eat pomegranate seeds! Try one of these easy ideas:
- Snack - Eat the arils as-is, or serve them with yogurt, for a refreshing and healthy snack.
- Appetizer - Use the seeds as a Crostini topping (perhaps paired with some creamy goat cheese). They're also perfect for decorating holiday dishes, like this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (they look like mini ornaments, so cute)!
- Side Dish - Try these gorgeous Pomegranate Brussel Sprouts; the sweet seeds pair perfectly with savory roasted sprouts. Add this delicious Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce to your holiday table or make this pretty (and super tasty) Pomegranate Couscous to serve alongside any meal.
- Salad - Instantly upgrade any salad with a sprinkle of arils. This Pomegranate Salad is a delicious green salad paired fresh pears, pecans, crumbled cheese, and a yummy maple vinaigrette (so good). A scattering of seeds makes a lovely finishing touch to this beautiful Roasted Butternut Squash and Gorgonzola Salad, too.
- Sandwich - Sprinkle the pom seeds over avocado toast, or spread bread slices with ricotta or burrata, then top with the seeds.
- Drink - Start by making homemade Pomegranate Juice (it's so easy), then use the juice it to prepare these Pomegranate Mojitos and these Apple Cider Mocktails!
- Breakfast - Add the arils to a Breakfast Parfait, mix them into overnight oatmeal (try them instead of craisins in these Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats), serve them atop this cozy Fonio Porridge, or sprinkle them over this Panettone French Toast for a festive holiday meal.
- Dessert Topping - Sprinkle the seeds over ice cream or Frozen Yogurt, or scatter them over cake, cheesecake, and other desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The easiest way to cut a pomegranate is to score the skin (into quarters) with a sharp knife, then pry the fruit apart with your hands. Use your fingers to remove the seeds.
The seeds (also called arils) are the edible part of a pomegranate. You should not eat the skin.
Pomegranate seeds can be used a million different ways. Serve them with oats for breakfast, sprinkle them over a salad, or use them to top desserts. See all my tips above!
Whole pomegranates can last up to three months when stored in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Once you remove the seeds, you should eat them within five days.
If you do get any juice on your clothes, remove them immediately, then rinse the stain out under cool water. Spritz any remaining marks with a strain remover spray (like OxyClean Max Force), or dab on a little laundry detergent, then let set for 15 to 20 minutes. Machine wash with your usual detergent.
How to Cut a Pomegranate (and Remove the Seeds)
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Medium Bowl
Materials
- 1 pomegranate
Instructions
- Rinse the pomegranate under cool water to wash.
- Cut a thin slice off both ends of the pomegranate with a sharp knife.
- Lightly score the pomegranate's skin, sectioning it into quarters.
- Use your hands to pry apart the sections (along the lines your scored).
- Gently push the seeds out of the pomegranate using your fingers and place them in a bowl.
Video
Notes
