Read for steps on How to Seed a Pomegranate. Tips and tricks for the easiest way to open and remove seeds from a pomegranate.
What are Pomegranate Seeds?
Pomegranate seeds (arils) and their juices have taken a rise in popularity lately, mainly because of their nutritional value (good source of vitamins B and C). But, their sweet, juicy taste is also what I desire. The seeds are used to top salads, garnish cocktails, and flavor juices. There are many other ways to put this seasonal fruit to use, but I suggest enjoying the pomegranate in its simplest form - munching on the seeds themselves.
For whatever reason, I was always intimidated by pomegranates. Do you peel the pomegranate? How do you open a pomegranate? What is the easiest way to cut a pomegranate?
Recently, I decided to take the plunge and learn how to work with them. To my surprise and delight, it is SO easy to open a pomegranate and remove the seeds! Now I'm not sure why I was always afraid. I'm excited to share with you my newly acquired knowledge, so, as promised previously, below is a photo tutorial on how to seed a pomegranate.
Because pomegranate juice stains, my best advice for you is to use a plastic cutting board and remove the seeds in a large bowl of cold water. (And, if you're as clumsy as I am in the kitchen, wear an apron!)
Let's begin!
How to Choose the Best Pomegranate
First, know how to choose your pomegranate by looking at the color and size. Make sure the skin is colored a fresh bright red with no tears (blemishes are okay). You also want to choose a large one that is heavier in weight. Squeeze the brownish crown. If a cloudy powder puffs out, stay away from that one!
Easiest Way to Cut a Pomegranate
Now that you have your perfect pomegranate chosen, take your knife and cut along the skin of the fruit, but not too deep, trying not to cut through any of the seeds (arils).
Using your hands, open the pomegranate.
Look how beautiful the seeds look! Your pomegranate may have even more seeds bursting at the seams. My pickings were slim the day I shopped for mine.
Continue to use your hands to pull apart the fruit. Use your knife to carefully slice the skin again if needed. At this point, the seeds will start falling out and may even squirt on you a little, so watch out!
How to Remove Pomegranate Seeds
Fill a large bowl or pot of cold water and start removing the seeds under the water with your fingers. I use my stockpot because it is large and easy to clean. Removing the seeds under the cold water avoids the juice from squirting all over.
The membrane floats to the top while the seeds sink.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the membrane then rinse and drain the seeds in a colander. They are now ready to be consumed or used however you choose!
Storing Pomegranate Seeds
You can refrigerate pomegranate seeds in a tightly sealed container for two weeks. Or, freeze them for up to three months. If you freeze the pomegranate seeds, start by spreading them in a single layer on a wax paper lined tray and freeze for two hours. Transfer them to a freezer bag.
Now that you know how to seed a pomegranate, there is no excuse for you to not go out and get one now! But, hurry, because pomegranate season only runs from October through January/February!
Update notes: This recipe was originally published on January 4, 2010. Updated on January 7, 2019 with improved tips.
Lee Ann says
Many, many thanks for this tutorial on how to seed a pomegranate! I bought one for the first time about 3 weeks ago and while the juice I managed to extract was good, i was under the impression that the seeds could not be eaten. Too much work!
But thanks to your post, I am going to try another one. Thanks again! :). 🙂
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Lee Ann H
Crochet...Gotta Love It! Blog
Crochet...Gotta Love It! Website (crochet names and rosary patterns)
ChicagoCook says
I usually cut off the crown, just deep enough that I can see the seeds. Then I score the fruit all the way around, and do the same to make it into quarters. I pry them apart after doing this. This way, you don't end up cutting the seeds like you do by chopping it in half with a knife. They're too good to waste!
The Cilantropist says
This is SO helpful! Thanks for all the step by step photos! 🙂
The Local Cook says
BEAUTIFUL photos! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
kmom14 says
Thanks for the pictures in addition to the instructions!
I have never had a pomegranate and a month or so ago we were at the grocery store and they had pomegranates for sale. My son was wondering how you would eat one, were they like an apple and what it would taste like. I came home and looked up on the internet and found out you remove the seeds and pitch the core, I couldn't find visual instructions on how to get the seeds out and the verbal instructions weren't really clear either so I never picked on up - now will have to give it a try sometime. Thanks again!
Kate at Serendipity says
Thank you so much for this post. You cannot imagine how hard I've been looking for just this information. I love the idea of doing it under water so that the juice doesn't stain your hands--or your clothes!
miss_om says
You can also just halve the pomegranate, hold over a large bowl, then hit the fruit's skin a few times with the end of a rolling pin: the flesh and juice just fall into the bowl!
Sue Gladd says
I've never seeded a pomegranate, but I will certainly get one and try your technique, Nikki! The picture of pome in glass bowl at top of this page is stunning.