How to Cut a Pomegranate
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Do you want to know how to cut a pomegranate? It’s my favorite winter fruit, so I’ve got you covered! I’m telling you the easiest and fastest way to learn how to cut pomegranate, step by step, right here, right now.
How to Cut Pomegranate
If you’ve ever wondered or wanted to know how to cut a pomegranate quickly, easily, and with as little mess as possible, this is for you! This easy method will give you the most pomegranate seeds to use in all your favorite recipes, or to eat all on their own as a tasty snack.
And yes, it does occasionally leave a little juice behind on your cutting board and maybe even on your hands. But that’s never bothered me one bit, because this method is what actually works. If you work carefully and know the easiest way to cut the fruit, then you can avoid those pomegranate juice stains on your clothes.
Cutting a pomegranate needs to be quick and efficient — those are the most important things to me. I want to be able to get those little sweet seeds out of the fruit and ready to eat or prep in a dish. Fighting with a hard-skinned fruit is not on my to-do list.
I love to add fresh pomegranate seeds into my spinach avocado salad and they’re so tasty in my easy winter fruit salad too. They’re just so yummy in sweet and savory dishes! So learn how to cut pomegranate easily so that you can use those delicious seeds however you want.
Why You’ll Love this How To
Some of my favorite pomegranate recipes have been ruined because I got to frustrated trying to slice open the fruit. Never again will I have that issue because this method is the best ever:
- The health benefits of pomegranate seeds are abundant! They are loaded with antioxidants and have been known to help improve digestion and have heart healthy benefits. They’re also known to have anti-inflammatory benefits and there are many reports that pomegranates are great for cancer prevention.
- Spend less time prepping your food and more time eating up all that yummy goodness. This quick method only takes 2 minutes.
- You’ll love the tart flavor of this delicious fruit. These seeds add tons of variety to different dishes and it will surprise you how well they work in dozens of fun recipes.
Step by Step Method
This easy step-by-step guide will have you cutting a ripe pomegranate like a pro in no time. Here is the best way to get those ruby red seeds separated from the fruit’s white pith:
First, use a sharp paring knife and carefully slice the top of the pomegranate off. This is pretty much the only time you’ll see a little juice, because it’s likely a few seeds will get sliced — but not to worry!
Next, look at the open portion of the pomegranate and locate the each white membrane that separates the fruit into segments — sort of like an orange has segments.
Use the paring knife to score, or partially cut through, the pomegranate skin. Then starting at the cut part of the pomegranate at the top, following the membrane all the way to the bottom. Repeat on each membrane until you’ve done them all. Most pomegranates have about 5-7.
Set down the knife now, and hold the pomegranate over a bowl or cutting board. Use both hands to break apart the segments along the scored lines. This takes a little hand strength, but not much. Some seeds will fall out as you break it apart, so the bowl is helpful to catch them.
Last, use your hands to flex and stretch each newly separated segment, carefully releasing the seeds. They should remove fairly easily. And that’s it — you’re done!
How to Store Pomegranate Seeds
Transfer the pomegranate seeds to an airtight container or baggie and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.
To freeze, lay the pomegranate seeds on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1 hour. Remove the baking sheet and transfer the partially frozen pomegranate seeds to an airtight container or freezer safe plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible as you close it. Return to the freezer and use within 3-4 months for best taste.
Recipes using Pomegranate
Cranberry horseradish brie bites are a more exciting take on cheese and crackers and loaded with tasty pomegranate flavor. I also love to use pomegranate in this Paleo Acorn squash with maple-almond butter.
Prosciutto wrapped pears are a fun recipe always gets rave reviews! And if you want a fancy way to use pomegranate then check out my holiday kombucha mocktail or this sweet potato chocolate mousse. For a bit of boozy fun, make a delicious pomegranate margarita.
Tips for Success
Check out these simple tips to ensure you can easily have success with this step-by-step tutorial:
- Always use a sharp knife! You’ll have trouble cutting through the thick skin and membranes if you’re using dull knives.
- If you’re finding the seeds difficult to remove from this beautiful fruit, then submerge each segment in a bowl of water. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Then you can use a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds from the water.
- Pomegranate fruit juice does stain very easily. In order to avoid those bright red juice stains on your clothing, wear an apron and push up your sleeves before cutting into a yummy pomegranate.
FAQ
The most delicious ripe pomegranates have brightly colored skins that aren’t withering. They should feel dense or heavy to hold, and won’t have any mushy spots. The shape of the pomegranate should show several flattened sides rather than be a perfectly round fruit. Following these tips will help you find the best ripe fruit with the most juicy seeds.
One large pomegranate will yield approximately 1 cup of pomegranate arils (also known as seeds).
More Helpful Resources
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
How to Cut Pomegranate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pomegranate
Video
Instructions
- Slice the top half inch of the pomegranate off (this is where you may cut through a couple of arils. I don't sweat it, but if you prefer not to, you can cut a little less off, and it just requires a little more hand strength when separating the sections.)
- Find where the white membranes separate the sections (they're found along the ridges that you can see on the skin). There are usually 5-7.
- With a paring knife, carefully score the flesh from the top to the bottom along each membrane.
- Over a bowl or dish, pry the sections apart in your hands and remove any membranes.
- Carefully push and flex the skin of each section so the arils begin to pop out. Remove any other seeds with your hands.
