How To Open A Pomegranate (In 4 Easy Steps)

Can you eat pomegranate seeds?

The red, juice-filled pulpy pieces are called arils, and inside of each one there is a fibrous seed. Some people choose to eat this seed, while others simply suck the juice out and spit out the seed. It seems to be safe to eat the seeds, so it’s really up to you!

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How to Freeze Pomegranate Seeds

Once you have de-seeded your pomegranate, make sure the arils are dry. Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with wax paper. Place in the freezer for 2 hours or until frozen. Once frozen, put them into a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer.

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Step 2: Score Sides

Now look down at your pomegranate.  You’ll see that it’s not perfectly round – there are some flat sides/faces, and some ridges or ribs.  The exact number will vary between pomegranates. We’re going to score along these wider rib portions of the pomegranate. Take your paring knife, start at your previous cut at the flower-end of the pomegranate, and score the skin along the ridge down toward the bottom (stem) end of the fruit.  You should cut through the red rind, and most of the way through the white pith.  Avoid cutting into the seeds, as that will just create a big juicy mess, exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

Sparkling Recipes for Pomegranate Seeds

• Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate Chicken)
• Pomegranate Molasses
• Pork Chops with Pomegranate Glaze
• Golden Beet and Pomegranate Salad
• Pomegranate Mimosa with Hard Cider

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

How to eat a pomegranate

Can you eat the pomegranate seeds inside the arils? Absolutely yes! While they’re crunchy like grape seeds, they contain beneficial micronutrients as well as dietary fiber.

On its own, a pomegranate makes a healthy snack on the go with sweet, tart flavors. You can also add the arils to fruit salads or as decorations on desserts. Last but not least, you can make deliciously refreshing pomegranate juice!

Delicious Pomegranate Recipes

Now that you’ve learned how to easily cut open a pomegranate, it’s time to start using them in your recipes. Pomegranate seeds look pretty sprinkled over a salad or floating in your cocktails, and here are a few of our favorite pomegranate recipes –

• Chocolate Tart With Pomegranate
• Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothies
• Pomegranate Chia Smoothie

Cutting A Pomegranate Hack

Here is the simple tutorial showing this easy hack so you’ll know how to cut open a pomegranate without making a mess. You just need a few simple tools and you’re ready to go.

Things You’ll Need

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Bowl or plate
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Bowl of water (for submerging method only)
• Strainer (for submerging method only)

Health benefits of pomegranates

Pomegranates have so many great health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Reduced blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease
• Disease-fighting effects
• Reduced effects of arthritis and joint pain
• Improved memory

Recipes

Can you eat pomegranate seeds as is? Pomegranate seeds are simply perfect and delicious all on their own, but if you’re looking to incorporate them into your next meal, there are lots of options. Pomegranate seeds make a perfect addition to your next smoothie, pudding, salsa, salad or main course. They also work well paired with beets and goat cheese in this Beet and Pomegranate Salad Recipe.

Need a healthy dessert idea? Try out number 13 on the list of “21 Chia Seed Recipes You’re Going to Crave”: Chia Spiced Chia Seed Pudding with Pomegranate Seeds.

Dried pomegranate seeds, also known as anardana, are also widely available and can be ground into a powder and sprinkled over your favorite dishes for an added dose of flavor and color.

Want to turn the seeds into juice? Simply put the seeds into a blender and then strain the resulting juice with a cheesecloth.

Nutrition Facts

Pomegranate seeds are a great source of several nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Plus, they are also low in calories yet high in heart-healthy fiber.

A half-cup serving of pomegranate seeds contains the following nutrients:

• 72 calories
• 16.3 grams carbohydrates
• 1.5 grams protein
• 1 gram fat
• 3.5 grams fiber
• 11.9 grams sugar
• 14.3 micrograms vitamin K (17.9 percent DV)
• 8.9 milligrams vitamin C (14.8 percent DV)
• 33 micrograms folate (8.3 percent DV)
• 205 milligrams potassium (5.9 percent DV)
• 0.07 milligram vitamin B6 (3.5 percent DV)
• 31 milligrams phosphorus (3.1 percent DV)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about pomegranates?

Pomegranate seeds offer a bright juicy punch of flavor to all sorts of recipes. They make salads and fruit platters look opulent, and lift heavier flavors in rice dishes and creamy pasta recipes. This fruit is high in vitamin c and vitamin A. Pomegranates are also a great source of fiber as well. 

When are they in season?

Pomegranates are in season for a fairly short period of time. The peak of their season is in late fall and throughout the winter months. 

How do I store the seeds?

Pomegranates should be stored in the refrigerator and they can last for three to four weeks in the fridge before deseeding. After extracting the seeds, they can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Or you can store them in the freezer in a tightly sealed bag for up to 3 months. 

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