How To De-Seed A Pomegranate

Pomegranate season is upon us and this year I’m taking full advantage of it.

Last year I got enough nerve to buy and open up my own pomegranate.  It wasn’t fun and it definitely wasn’t pretty.  This year I was determined to change that because pomegranates seeds (arils) are delicious and along with my produce delivery I received 2 pomegranates and I am not one to waste good healthy foods.

I decided I wanted to learn how to open a pomegranate the right way which would also be the easy and less messy way.  I searched the internet and watched many videos, all demonstrating varying ways to de-seed a pomegranate.  I took a chance on a method of choice.

How to de-seed a pomegranate

1. Take a knife and slice off the top near the stem, about a 1/4 inch deep.

2. Slice into segments (like an orange).  For a small pomegranate I sliced it into 4 segments, but for a large you’ll want to slice into about 6-7 segments.  You should see where the membrane separates the segments, so follow those lines if you can.

3. Fill a large bowl with cold water.  Place a segment in the bowl.

4. Begin to break off the seed from the while membrane.  The seeds will fall to the bottom while the membrane floats at the to of the water.  Repeat until you’ve done this with all of the segments.

5. Once you’ve de-seeded all the segments, remove as much of the floating membrane as possible.

6. Pour into a strainer.

7. Dish up.  Now you’re ready to eat them up!

This method is so much better than my original way of prying the seeds out with my fingers after cutting the pomegranate in half.  Look at the small mess I had – not bad.

I’ve enjoyed munching on these seeds on their own, in smoothies, with veggies and also in a simple fruit salad.

Oh and you can’t forget about on op of custard oatmeal.

How do you like to eat pomegranates?  Any de-seeding tips you’d like to share?  Please do!