3 simple steps to lose weight as fast as possible. Read now

How to open and seed a pomegranate

2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate

Removing pomegranate seeds can be a breeze with the right technique. This article explains how to remove pomegranate seeds easily and offers tips for incorporating them into your diet.

Guides
Evidence-based
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts, and fact-checked by experts.
We look at both sides of the argument and strive to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate
Last updated on February 16, 2024, and last reviewed by an expert on May 26, 2023.

Pomegranate, a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub scientifically known as Punica granatum, is a beloved gem in the realm of fruits for its distinctive flavor and multitude of health benefits.

2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate

It can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) high, producing fruits about 2–5 inches (5–12 cm) in diameter.

Inside the thick-skinned fruit are approximately 600 arils, or edible seeds, which can be enjoyed raw or processed into a juice.

Removing the pomegranate seeds can prove challenging, but knowing the right technique can make the process a breeze.

This article explains how to remove pomegranate seeds easily and offers suggestions for incorporating them into your diet.

In this article

2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate

Two simple ways to remove pomegranate seeds are with a spoon or knife.

With a spoon

One popular and easy method for removing pomegranate seeds involves using a wooden spoon.

First, cut the fruit in half around the middle. Then, hold it over a bowl with the seed side facing down.

Firmly hit the pomegranate skin with the back of a wooden spoon until all the seeds have fallen out.

You can fill the bowl halfway with water so the seeds sink to the bottom while pieces of the pith float to the top. This makes it easier to separate the seeds.

Rinse and strain the seeds to remove any unwanted pith remnants. Now, the arils are ready to enjoy.

Scoring with a knife

Another equally popular and effective method of retrieving pomegranate seeds is to use a knife to score the fruit.

First, using a paring knife, remove the little stem at the top of the fruit, known as the flower.

Then, score the sides by cutting the skin between the ridges from top to bottom. Make six evenly-spaced cuts around the fruit if you can’t feel the ridges.

Don’t make the cuts too deep to prevent the juices from escaping.

Next, grip the fruit and place your thumbs at the top where the flower was. Gently pull apart the fruit to separate the sections.

Doing this over a bowl may be helpful so all the loose seeds are caught.

To continue, peel off the white membrane surrounding each seed section.

Lastly, working over a bowl or clean surface, pull the edges of each section back towards you to push the seeds out and into the bowl.

12 evidence-based health benefits of pomegranate
Suggested read: 12 evidence-based health benefits of pomegranate

Depending on the ripeness of the fruit and how easily the seeds come out, you may have to rub some seeds to detach them gently.

Now, they’re ready to enjoy.

Summary: You can remove the tasty pomegranate seeds from the fruit using a wooden spoon or paring knife.

Easy ways to add pomegranate to your diet

Pomegranate seeds are delicious and versatile, making them easy additions to various dishes.

Here are some ways you can enjoy pomegranate seeds:

Summary: Pomegranate seeds are a versatile and flavorful addition to sweet and savory dishes.

Helpful tips

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your pomegranate experience:

Summary: To better enjoy your pomegranate, choose a ripe fruit, eat only the seeds, and freeze leftovers for later use.

Summary

The pomegranate is a fruit with delicious, edible seeds.

Suggested read: Is gnocchi vegan?

Hitting the back of a pomegranate cut in half with a wooden spoon or scoring the fruit to separate sections are two simple and effective ways to remove the seeds.

This process is easier when the fruit is ripe.

Once removed, you can enjoy the bright, ruby-red seeds plain or add them to your favorite recipes for a tangy yet sweet, refreshing flavor.

Share this article: Facebook Pinterest WhatsApp Twitter / X Email
Share

More articles you might like

People who are reading “2 easy ways to open and seed a pomegranate” also love these articles:

Topics

Browse all articles