harness the tricky ( but tasty ) pomegranate with ease by following these pro crown on how to unfold them — and what to do with those juicy arils .

With fresh pomegranates in time of year for a short clock time every year ( October through January ) , I always jump at the opportunity to buy a few whenever they start appearing in grocery fund . The reddish - carmine juicy pomegranate arils ( which is what the garnet - color source covering are call ) are sweet-scented , tart , and full ofnutritional benefits . They ’re jam-packed withantioxidants , vitamin blow , and fiber . If you ’ve avoided purchasing pomegranates in the yesteryear due to fright of opening them and making a mess , you ’re not alone . But once you ’ve ignore a Punica granatum , you ’ll quickly realize the process is n’t as intimidating as it may seem . Read on to learn how to open a pomegranate so you’re able to harvest the luscious benefits of the red yield all time of year long .

How to Cut a Pomegranate

According to the folk atPOM Wonderful(and the pros in our Test Kitchen ) , this is the best direction to burn a pomegranate .

Step 1: Cut and Score the Pomegranate

Using a sharp-worded knife ( $ 16 , Target ) , cut off the top of the pomegranate just about ½-inch from the top . Once you take away the top , you ’ll find four to six section of the pomegranate divided by a white membrane ( pith ) are seeable . Score the cutis ( rind ) along each surgical incision , being deliberate not to cut down into the yield .

Step 2: Peel the Pomegranate Skin

Gently rend the Punica granatum apart over a bowl of cool water . allow for the pomegranate sections to lay in the piddle .

Step 3: Remove and Separate the Pomegranate Seeds

While subaqueous , gently pry the aril loose using your pollex . The plump , voluptuous pomegranate seeds will sink to the bottom . lift out away the clean tissue layer ( pith ) that be adrift to the top using a slotted spoon . enfeeble the water and your overbold pomegranate seeds are ready to feed .

exam Kitchen Tip : While you ’re trying to keep the pomegranate aril intact , the bright red succus can stain . If you do happen to get some of the juice on any piece of work airfoil , sporting at once with warm , smarmy water . Also , turn over wearing an apron or workplace shirt to protect wear ..

How to Tell if a Pomegranate Is Ripe

face for pomegranates that feel heavy with house , taut pelt . No need to look for the perfect cherry pomegranate peel , as it can still have beautiful , juicy arils indoors .

How to Eat a Pomegranate

The fun , easy way to enjoy a pomegranate is simply snacking on those little juicy aril ( yes , you may eat the whole pomegranate source ) . try out pitch themon a salador turning the arils into adessert sauce . Think outside of the box by trying ourpomegranate recipesusing the seeds inpot joint , rice dishes , and more sweet - tart dessert .

hands holding knife cutting into pomegranate

Credit: Courtesy of POM Wonderful

removing pomegranate seeds with water

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

draining pomegranate seeds with a sieve

Credit: Peter Krumhardt