Learn how to cut and de-seed a pomegranate the easy way. It is quick, effortless, and will leave everything stain-free of pomegranate juice.
This is how to de-seed a pomegranate the right way. It can be a messy and tedious task, but fear not- here’s an easy method. It’s quick, easy, and will leave your favorite shirt stain-free. There are many methods for cutting a pomegranate, however, this one ensures you get every delicious seed from the fruit with little to no bruising.
Tools Needed to Deseed a Pomegranate
Aside from the pomegranate itself, you will need a large bowl of water and a small sharp knife that you’re comfortable using to score along the pomegranate to start the process of de-seeding.
How to Cut and De-Seed a Pomegranate
- Fill a large bowl with cold water; then, slice the small crown off the top of the pomegranate.
- After the crown is sliced off, begin to score the skin of the fruit into four equal parts, like a cross. Be sure only to cut into the skin, and not into the seeds (if a little juice comes out, that is fine).
- Place the scored pomegranate into the bowl of cold water. This is what will prevent stains from happening all over your cooking surfaces and clothing.
- Proceed to separate each section under the water.
- Working with one section, (under the water) using your thumb, gently but firmly loosen the seeds from the membrane. Repeat with each section.
- Ensure you have a bowl on the side so you can toss away any pomegranate membrane– the white pith from the fruit- it is not appetizing. All of the pith should float to the top and the seeds should will generally stay at the bottom of the bowl. Skim off any white pith from the bowl of water with your fingers or a metal spoon. Place the seeds in a colander, and wash them under cold water before eating.
How to Store Pomegranate Seeds
The seeds will keep for two to three days in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator.
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How to De-Seed a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are so satisfying, but they can be a hassle to de-seed and cut. Here's how to cut and de-seed a pomegranate the easy way. The best part is: it will leave your hands and favorite shirt stain-free of pomegranate juice and mess, and it doesn't take much time to do!
Pomegranates can be quite expensive, and I like to take care with preparing them properly. I'm not from the school of neatly cutting down into the entire pomegranate. When I cut and de-seed pomegranates, the cold water method of deseeding is the the one I always go to. There's no need to worry about bruised pomegranate seeds or food waste.
One alternative method involves slicing a pomegranate in half. After that, each half of the pomegranate is placed with the seed-side facing a large bowl. The back of the pomegranate is hit firmly with a spoon (metal or wood– whichever seems most effective). However, that method is a bit messy and results in too many bruised pomegranate seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 Pomegranate
- Cold Water
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cold water; then, slice the small crown off the top of the pomegranate. You should be left with something that looks like the picture below. After the crown is sliced off, begin to score the skin of the fruit into four equal parts. Be sure only to cut into the skin, and not into the seeds (if you do and a little juice comes out, that’s okay)
- Place the scored pomegranate into the bowl of cold water.
- Proceed to separate each section under the water.
- Working with one section, (under the water) using your thumb, gently but firmly loosen the seeds from the membrane. Repeat with each section.
- Be sure to have a bowl to the side, so you can toss away any membrane– the white pith from the pomegranate- it’s not appetizing. All of the pith should float to the top and the seeds should stay at the bottom of the bowl. Skim off any white pith from the bowl of water.
- Place the seeds in a colander, give them a quick wash under cold water, and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: The seeds should keep for a couple of days in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 234Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 18mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 11gSugar: 39gProtein: 5g
1 Comment
Naseem
April 30, 2016 at 12:19 amDid just as you wrote today! Lucky to get my hands on a couple gorgeous pomegranates….. Usually very hesitant to buy them because of the mess. I love this water method. Doesnt ruin the seeds Ike the spoon methods do and I think the spoons one is a huge mess.