Do You Know This Tip for Taking Out Pomegranate Seeds?

I love the pop of sweet, tart juice you get from biting into a handful of pomegranate seeds, but I rarely get the pleasure since de-seeding the red orbs can be a bit of a chore. Luckily, there are a handful of tips and tricks to accomplish it with ease. I’ve tried almost all of them, but I’ve found this one to be the best.

First, you’ll want to cut a 1/4-inch off the top stem so the fruit stands flat. Then use a paring knife to cut around the pomegranate’s blossom (which looks a little bit like a crown), angling in so you’re able to remove it.

Next, use the same knife to make about six vertical, gentle cuts around the fruit. Cut just deep enough to cut through the skin, but not through the inner seeds.

Then use your fingers to break open the fruit into segments. Working with one segment at a time, pry away the pomegranates seeds, also called arils, from the skin and thin membrane.

To make it even easier, do this work in a bowl of water — the seeds will sink to the bottom and the bits of membrane will float to the top, which you can simply skim off before draining the seeds.

Then it’s just a matter of how to enjoy them. I like snacking on the seeds simply out of hand, but they’re also wonderful sprinkled over your morning bowl of oats or Saturday’s waffles, where they catch in their nooks and crannies. Or enjoy them beyond breakfast in soups, cocktails, or even dessert.

• Pomegranate Olive Relish
• Kabocha Squash Soup with Pomegranate and Pepitas
• Coconut and Ginger Oatmeal
• Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
• Spiced Pomegranate Meringues
• Pink Grapefruit and Pomegranate Soda
• Pomegranate Lentil Soup