If you've ever whacked a cut open pomegranate with a wooden spoon or fumbled around with it under water, then you know extracting those lovely seeds (also called arils) is a messy endeavor. But it doesn't have to be this way! Read on for my favorite way to extract the arils from a pomegranate!
Pomegranates are a beautiful fall-to-winter fruit, delicious and full of antioxidants, too. You can buy the juice and packages of arils at many grocery stores, but I prefer purchasing the whole fruit for freshness. Plus, they look gorgeous sitting in a bowl on my kitchen table until I'm ready to use them.
My favorite way to extract the arils from a pomegranate is best demonstrated in the homemade video, shown below. It's similar to the one demonstrated in the picture above but with a few important modifications. What I like about this method is that she is careful to never cut into one of the seeds with her knife. Cutting a cone shape from the top and carefully slicing the bottom are key.
The video only shows opening the pomegranate (in order to eat the arils directly from the fruit.) If you want to remove the arils to use in salads and other delightful things, gently break them away from their white membrane. If they're a little too attached, a bowl of warmish water seems to help soften the pith up enough to complete the task. The pith will float to the top of the water and can easily be skimmed away.
What's your favorite method? Do you whack your pomegranate and if so, how in the world do you keep yourself and everything around you clean?
Related: Seasonal Spotlight: Pomegranate
(Image: Dana Velden)
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I used to help my ex mother-in-law get the seeds ou of pomegranates for making jelly and we would lightly cut through the skin, split them open and put them under water in a large bowl while we gently removed the seeds. It keeps your hands clean and the juice from getting everywhere.
Thank you for spreading the word on this method of opening pomegranates. This is exactly how my mom taught me to eat pomegranates and it works beautifully! I cringe every time I hear about people whacking their pomegranates or putting the fruit underwater!
Wow, I had no idea! Nature is so amazing. :) Thanks for sharing...
i'm a whacker. i use a deep bowl to keep the splash to a minimum.
I cut it in half and take the good (the arils) with the bad (red juice everywhere!).
Yes, I have always just cut and let the juice fly! But this is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Holy cow!
I've had a pomegranate on my counter for a couple of days and have been dreading the inevitable bloodbath. Quelle revelation!! I now have a bowlful of seeds and an un-splattered kitchen!
This is right up there with "Peel a whole head of garlic in 10 seconds" for usefulness. We love pomegranates, but I've been guilty of seed murder for years now. No longer...
@Trish: I agree completely. This method is way too fussy for me, not to mention the video itself was irritating (that flat monotone!).
Okay wait!? The seeds are still attached!! I thought this would be a lot more useful... I can expose the seeds easily, but getting them out without the white pulp all over the place is the challenge for me.
Or maybe I'm just doing it way wrong... any tips?
I love the underwater method. I cut carefully into the "crown" with a large knife, then turn the knife to crack it. I then submerge the whole thing in tepid water to remove the seeds. The seeds sink, the pith floats. It has saved my kitchen ceiling.
In my family, we roll the pomegranate on the counter, crushing the seeds inside while preserving the skin intact. Then we cut or bit a tiny whole and suck the juice out. Usually there's some skin breakage and the juice squirts out, but it's part of the fun.
instead of peeling just squish them and roll them around on the kitchen counter. then go to the sink bite in squeeze and suck! FRESH POMEGRANATE JUICE! and its pretty fun. my mom and i do it with the first few pomegranates of the year
This was great! The neatest, fastest way we have ever opened a pomegranate. Thank you!