Pomegranates can look a little intimidating at first, but don’t let that tough outer skin scare you away! I eagerly wait for pomegranates to show up in the produce aisle every fall so I can get my hands on those juicy red seeds inside. Once you know the simple trick for getting them out, they’re surprisingly quick and easy to enjoy.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to eat pomegranate fruit, including the easiest way to remove the seeds without frustration or a huge mess. Once you’ve got them out, sprinkle the vibrant seeds over salads, yogurt or Roasted Brussels Sprouts, blend them into smoothies or simply enjoy them by the handful.
If you’ve been walking past this beautiful fruit in the produce aisle because you weren’t quite sure what to do with it, this is your sign to grab one and give it a try!
What Part of a Pomegranate Do You Eat?
You eat the juicy red seeds inside a pomegranate, which are called arils. The entire aril is edible, including the small crunchy seed in the center. The thick outer rind and white membrane are not typically eaten and can be discarded.
What You’ll Need
- Ripe, whole pomegranate – One or as many as you’d like to prepare.
- Wooden spoon – A sturdy wooden spoon works best for tapping the seeds loose from the rind.
- Large, wide bowl – To catch the pomegranate seeds as they fall.
- Cutting board – Use one you don’t mind potentially staining with pomegranate juice.
- Sharp knife – For slicing the pomegranate in half.
How To Eat Pomegranate Fruit
Follow these simple steps to remove the edible pomegranate seeds (also called arils) quickly and easily. This is my favorite method for getting to the good stuff without a lot of fuss.
- Cut the pomegranate in half. Place the pomegranate on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it in half.
- Loosen the seeds. Use your fingers to gently loosen the white membrane from around the seeds.
- Tap out the seeds. Hold one pomegranate half cut-side down over a large, wide bowl. Firmly hit the outer rind with a heavy wooden spoon. Don’t be afraid to give it a few good whacks! Many of the seeds will fall directly into the bowl.
- Remove the remaining seeds. Gently pull apart the rind and white membrane with your fingers. Use a paring knife or small spoon to loosen any stubborn arils that remain.
- Remove any pieces of membrane. Pick out and discard any bits of white membrane that have fallen into the bowl. Your pomegranate seeds are now ready to eat!
Alternative Water Method
For a less messy option, cut the pomegranate into four sections and submerge them in a large bowl of water. Working with one section at a time, use your fingers to gently pull the seeds away from the membrane while submerged. Drain the seeds well before eating or storing.
Recipe Notes
- Loosen the seeds first. Before cutting, roll the pomegranate firmly on the counter with the palm of your hand to help loosen the seeds from the membrane.
- Keep the mess contained. I like to place my bowl directly in the kitchen sink before tapping the pomegranate with a wooden spoon. Any splattering juice stays contained, which makes cleanup much easier.
- Watch out for stains. Pomegranate juice can stain clothing, cutting boards and other surfaces. Clean up spills right away with a paper towel or damp cloth.
How Long Does Pomegranate Last?
Whole pomegranates can last for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature or longer when stored in the refrigerator. Once the seeds have been removed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within about 5 days.
Discard pomegranate seeds if they develop an off smell, become slimy or show signs of mold.
How To Freeze Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds freeze great, making this a perfect way to enjoy them beyond pomegranate season.
Spread the seeds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen seeds to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Freezing them individually first prevents the seeds from sticking together, so you can grab just what you need for smoothies, oatmeal or other recipes.
How To Tell If a Pomegranate Is Ripe
When choosing a ripe pomegranate, look for a fruit that feels heavy for its size, which is a good indication that it’s filled with juicy seeds. The skin should be firm, and the sides may appear slightly flattened rather than perfectly round.
Avoid pomegranates with large soft spots, cracks or signs of mold or obvious decay.
Substitute for Pomegranate Seeds
If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, the best substitute depends on how you’re using them. For fresh salads and savory dishes, try dried cranberries, red currants or chopped cherries. For fruit salads and sweeter dishes, raspberries or chopped dried apricots work well.
Keep in mind that no substitute will perfectly replicate the juicy pop and crunchy texture of fresh pomegranate seeds.
Best Ways to Eat Pomegranate Seeds
Wondering about the best way to eat pomegranate seeds? Once you’ve removed them from the fruit, you can eat them fresh by the handful or add their sweet-tart flavor and juicy crunch to all kinds of dishes.
- Eat them fresh by the handful for a quick snack.
- Sprinkle them over oatmeal, yogurt or smoothie bowls.
- Toss them into leafy green or fruit salads.
- Add them to roasted vegetables for a pop of sweet-tart flavor and color.
- Sprinkle them over ice cream or other desserts.
- Use them to garnish holiday meat dishes and side dishes.
- Blend them into smoothies.
- Press or juice the seeds to make fresh pomegranate juice.
More How-To Guides
- Cook and Eat An Artichoke
- How to Cut an Avocado
- Peel and Cut Butternut Squash
- How To Cut A Pineapple
How To Eat Pomegranate Fruit
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pomegranate
Instructions
- Cut the pomegranate. Place the pomegranate on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it in half.
- Loosen the seeds. Use your fingers to gently loosen the white membrane from around the seeds.
- Tap out the seeds. Hold one pomegranate half cut-side down over a large bowl. Firmly hit the outer rind with a heavy wooden spoon until the seeds begin to fall into the bowl.
- Remove the remaining seeds. Gently pull apart the rind and membrane with your fingers. Use a paring knife or small spoon to loosen any stubborn pomegranate seeds (arils).
- Clean and enjoy. Remove and discard any pieces of white membrane from the bowl. Eat the pomegranate seeds fresh or use them in your favorite recipes.
Thanks for sharing this it’s really helpful for me.
I’m glad you found it useful! Enjoy eating pomegranates!
Again;
Where ared the instructions you advertise in:
"How to Easily Remove Seeds from a Pomegranate?"
I continue to link toyou advertised dites only to find what yu advertise to be lacking. I think you need to consider this issue when asking for subscribers. Id fels like a ait and switch to lure one in for all; the ads.
Hello again, J’Marinde! There is a 25-second video about the process. Since it’s not a recipe, I didn’t type one out! The process is also explained in the copy. I hope this helps! Have a great day!
Megan