With a family that includes just one genus and two species—only one of which is cultivated—pomegranates are truly in a class by themselves. The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Flip Pomegranate Sections & Open Inside-Out, How to Peel Prickly Pears: El Karmouss El Hindi. Some of the important things to look out for when choosing a pomegranate include the color and the texture. Cut through a sweet dessert with a fresh handful of these lush seeds. This cauliflower-pomegranate combo goes really well with stir-fried beef strips, sweet and sour fish and coconut chicken curry. http://dish.allrecipes.com/how-to-pick-a-ripe-pomegranate/, https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/, https://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/11-crazy-beautiful-pomegranate-salads, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. How to Eat a Pomegranate: Juice It, Seed It, Enjoy It! The edible part of the pomegranate is actually the seeds, which luckily comprise most of the pomegranate. Make a fruit salad of papaya, pomegranate seeds, and mango. How To Eat A Pomegranate (without looking like you’ve committed a mass murder) So last year I was tired of being a pom-virgin. Love: eating them. And when it comes to how to eat a pomegranate, it’s easy to feel intimidated by the tough rind and the honeycomb of jewel-like arils within. Nature has a way of hiding its treasures, and the ruby-red gems locked inside a pomegranate are no exception. De-seeding: Opening a pomegranate this way also makes it easier to remove the seeds for other purposes. Pomegranate seeds (well, technically arils or flesh-covered seeds) taste great on their own. Holding the fruit, you might notice … A second way to eat a pomegranate is similar to the first in the respect that a bowl of water is needed. Just follow the simple directions here and you'll be eating pomegranate seeds in no time. Place a very sharp knife to the right or left of the knob on top, and slice straight down. In summer, take this dish outside, preparing the steak (or chicken, lamb, or fish if you prefer) on the grill. 4 ways to get the most out of pomegranates 1. Find out how to buy the best pomegranates and how to prepare this fruit. Pomegranate is traditionally eaten by Jewish people on Rosh Hashanah. It is a good idea to slice and prepare pomegranate in a large bowl or kitchen sink where the juice splatter can be contained. Treat it delicately, with respect. How to eat a pomegranate- no fancy cutting techniques necessary, with this method, you can have your pomegranate seeded and ready to eat in under 5 minutes! Scoop right. How to Eat a Pomegranate: Juice It, Seed It, Enjoy It! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Ripe pomegranate seeds will come off the pith relatively easily, although you may need to remove a bit of pith at the seeds' ends where they were attached to the peel. 10 Cooking Tools from Around the World You Didn't Know You Needed + Newsletter Shop Site Feedback FAQ / Help Center. Using the back of a spoon, hit the pomegranate firmly all over to loosen the seeds. Though pomegranate arils taste great by themselves, they are also used in many food and drink recipes around the world. The pomegranate is a delicious fruit that anyone can have. Beer 52 exclusive offer: Get a free case of craft beer worth £24. If left to sit and dry, pomegranate can stain! These little gems are packed with vitamins, anti-oxidents and fiber. You may find them at most local stores in late summer through fall. Hold the pomegranate with both hands, slowly pry the sections apart, and there you have it—seeds exposed and ready to eat. Ways To Eat Pomegranate. Peel off and discard the bits of the white membrane covering the clusters of pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates should feel heavy for their size and be free of cuts, slashes, or bruises. Once you get a pomegranate open, you can enjoy all of the tasty seeds inside of it. 3. At least, I used to hate de-seeding them. You can start eating just the outside or with the seed in it. "A taste sensation!" Just peel and eat! They dry out as they're stored, and older specimens will have started to shrink a bit as the thick skin starts to close in on the seeds. They may just be an acquired taste for you. This is a magic fruit, so when you split it open, be prepared for the jewels of the world to tumble out, more precious than garnets, more lustrous than rubies, lit … Repeat Step 5 for each section of the pomegranate, then step back and behold the pile of beautiful shiny pomegranate seeds bright and ready to eat—unsullied by a soak in water as many methods recommend—and creamy white pith ready for the compost heap or garbage can. Using a very sharp knife, score the sides of the pomegranate and peel from top to bottom. First, cut off the crown at the top of the pomegranate with a knife. Learn more... Pomegranates are sweet red fruits that are full of edible seeds. discussion from the Chowhound General Discussion food community. Sprinkle them over a chocolate cake. You don’t need much to open a pomegranate easily and safely. You may see people suggesting you deseed a pomegranate in a bowl of water. Various parts of the tree and fruit are used to make medicine. To eat the pomegranate, remove the top and score pomegranate in a cross. Then, cut the pomegranate's skin into quarters. … Pierce the rind and squeeze out juice or poke in a straw and press to release juice. It tastes bitter, and it is considered inedible. Rolling Method: On a hard surface, press the palm of your hand against a pomegranate and gently roll to break all of the seeds inside (crackling stops when all seeds have broken open). The seeds are called arils and they’ve got a bit of crunch in the middle, surrounded by a juicy outer layer. Is it safe to eat pomegranate seeds? At least, I used to hate de-seeding them. "A taste sensation!" It's best to do this over a clean work surface or bowl—wherever you plan on putting the seeds when you're done since some seeds tend to fall out of the pomegranate at this stage. To create this article, 32 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Both nutritious and delicious, the pomegranate is an excellent addition to your diet that you shouldn't pass by during your next visit to the grocery store. The juice of pomegranates there are three times more than green tea or red wine. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,307,384 times. Chop, Dice & Save $50 on a 2-Piece Zwilling Knife Set. How to Seed and Eat a Pomegranate - The Spruce Eats Hot www.thespruceeats.com. It will weep blood. Pomegranate seeds add tasty texture and a visual flourish to your tarts, cakes and desserts. This majestic little fruit is filled with ruby red capsules called arils, which are each packed with antioxidant-rich juice and a crunchy seed. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you do the whole thing it will be very bitter. There isn't really a way to make pomegranate seeds any less bitter. It is a good idea to slice and prepare pomegranate in a large bowl or kitchen sink where the juice splatter can be contained. The easiest way to open and eat a pomegranate. Lamb Chops with Pomegranate Relish The tart flavor of the pomegranate gives a really nice contrast to the lamb chops. I mean seriously, is it really that serious people? I usually cut the pomegranate on a plastic cutting board, as the pomegranate juice could stain a wooden board. [1] X Research source 5. Pomegranate seeds. You would have to eat a very large amount for it to have any adverse effect. They give you a tiny burst of refreshing flavor along with a strong dose of fiber and vitamin C. Slice the pomegranate across the middle into halves. Spread them out on wax paper in the freezer. This practically mess-free … Pomegranate peel or rind powder … Pomegranates do not ripen after they're picked. Usually I eat almost half of a pomegranate for one yogurt. Hate: de-seeding them. Pomegranates are easy to grow and flourish in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 10. Reduce Arthritis and Joint Pain. The nutrient-rich, crimson-color seeds and juice offer plenty of delicious potential for pomegranate recipes once you figure out how to juice a pomegranate. Choose the best ripe pomegranate based on season, color, and skin quality as well as size, shape, and weight. Note that you are cutting into but not through the pomegranate. Yes, they do. This great tutorial by RawKristen demonstrates, step by step, how to wash the fruit, cut it open and which parts to eat. Eat the seeds raw in … Each medium size pomegranate will yield about 1 cup of seeds. Step 1, Make a thin slice on the bottom of the pomegranate: With a sharp knife, slice 1/4-inch off of the stem end of the pomegranate and place the pomegranate cut side down on the cutting board to stabilize it. Pomegranates do not ripen after they're picked but bruise easily when ripe. The edible part of the pomegranate are … 1. Yes, but only the seeds. Before you eat a pomegranate, it is important that you choose the right pomegranate from the store. The color of a ripe pomegranate should range from medium red to dark red. Use them in salads, drop them in drinks, or enjoy them straight-up. Arthritis is a common condition characterized by the inflammation … Although widely known and with many health properties, pomegranate (Punica granatum) is still little consumed. You can only eat pomegranate seeds, but to do so, you have to get to them! Just keep in mind that the seeds can be a little bitter. In fact, they are the primary edible part of the fruit. This cauliflower-pomegranate combo goes really well with stir-fried beef strips, sweet and sour fish and coconut chicken curry. By Budget Bytes. The interesting thing about this fruit is that the edible part is the seeds! Step 2, The pomegranate's blossom end, the one that looks like a crown, should be on top… I wanted to know what all the hype was about. Add pomegranate seeds to a salad of walnuts, goat cheese, and spinach, using a light honey-based dressing. If you’re looking for some stunning sweets, try these: Start with a pomegranate breakfast smoothie, mix in with granola, top buttermilk pancakes, or have a glass of fresh juice. The fruit can be bought in juice or frozen form but is also popularly eaten in its natural state. Here's a healthy spinach salad with pomegranate seeds, walnuts, red onions, feta cheese, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. Arthritis is a chronic illness caused by severe joint inflammation. Pomegranate fruit cut in half Pomegranate Seeds in Food Dishes Pomegranate arils can also be frozen for later use. How to Eat a Pomegranate? The arils in a single pomegranate give you 30 percent of your vitamin C requirement for the day. How to use pomegranate seeds. If you have access to a large bowl, open the pomegranate under water to reduce the risk of splattering your clothes with pomegranate juice. How to Eat Pomegranate. First and foremost, always look for pomegranates that are bright red or a deep, dark red. Caution, pomegranate juice stains. Overview Information Pomegranate is a tree. First, fill a large bowl with water. Just slit the upper skin across four quarters. This method is for people who like a more active eating experience. ... Eat straight from the shell using a toothpick. By using our site, you agree to our. Pomegranate: Although eating is a bit tricky (I have yet to learn how to “harvest” the seeds, knows as arils), pomegranate juice is a source of vitamin C and K. For step by step instructions, visit Iowa Girl Eats to learn how to eat a pomegranate. How to eat pomegranate? Bonus: the various colors in this dish will serve to liven up your meals. You need to cut it into halves. An easy way to eat the seeds, arils, of the Pomegranate is to slice the fruit in half. Lukewarm water makes the job more pleasant than icy cold water. What you need to easily open a pomegranate. Eat the arils with a spoon, like you would eat a bowl of cereal. Eating pomegranate or drinking its juice has been linked to several health benefits.. Pomegranate seeds may have value, too. Can a pomegranate be processed in a juicer? The seeds are actually the only edible part of a pomegranate. Cut off the top, or stem-end, pull the fruit open into sections, and remove the seeds. Even scratches on the surface of the pomegranate aren't necessarily a sign to avoid a piece of fruit or that the seeds inside have gone bad. Step 2: Cut the pomegranate in half. 5. You can sprinkle a few raspberries along with them. I love to mix the whole arils (seeds) in my yogurt, but is there such a thing as "too much"? Pomegranate juice is also sold in most stores. You can tear off each segment along its natural boundary to create a nice hand-sized snack treat, or put the opened pomegranate out whole as the gorgeous centerpiece of a fruit or cheese plate. You can find lots of crazy guides telling you to separate pomegranate seeds from the pith and membrane in a bowl of water, but none of that nonsense is necessary. We know, pomegranate fruits look daunting, but once you remove the pomegranate seeds (aka arils) the process of making homemade pomegranate juice is easier than … All you will need to do so is a sharp knife and a bowl of cool water. Eating a pomegranate can be a messy venture, but is made neater when you actually eat the entire seed. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. According to Khan, your hands are your best tool for opening and eating pomegranates. Follow the sections of the pomegranate as divided by the white pith as much as possible (this is where the fruit will naturally pull apart in most cases) and using the scored cuts you made to help you out. Eating a pomegranate for the first time can be a daunting task. Here’s what you need to do: First, use a sharp knife to cut off the top of the pomegranate. Break the pomegranate sections into slightly smaller pieces for easier handling. Half a pomegranate, or a whole pomegranate, per day is totally fine. -Apple Cider, Pear, and Pomegranate Sangria-Pomegranate and Pear Delight-Cranberry Pomegranate Crostini. The main thing to keep in mind is that the best pomegranates are heavy and angular. Choosing ripe pomegranates is relatively easy, as those found in local grocery stores are... 2. This majestic little fruit is filled with ruby red capsules called arils, which are each packed with antioxidant-rich juice and a crunchy seed. Use pomegranate seeds in cooking by incorporating them into dips, salads, and side dishes for an unexpected crunch. Out of these three popular methods from around the internet, this was the best way to deseed a pomegranate. How do I correct that? People want to know more about it, especially how to eat pomegranate seeds. Eating a pomegranate is easy and pretty quick in the scheme of things, once you get the hang of it. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. It is a fruit rich in vitamin C, proteins, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium and fiber, in addition to having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. How long do pomegranate seeds last?The shelf life of pomegranates and pomegranate seeds is influenced by a variety of factors, including how pomegranates are stored. There are so many great ways to enjoy pomegranate seeds. Just slice it in half and juice much like an orange. In order to benefit from all those nutritional goodies tucked inside every pomegranate, you first have the cut open the hard exterior shell. How to Eat Pomegranates. It's particularly nice at Christmas. How to Eat a Pomegranate. Discard the other parts of the pomegranate. Cut off and discard the top of the pomegranate, being sure to cut off enough of the top to reveal the bright red seeds underneath. Our Seville meringue pie with pomegranate makes a spectacular seasonal treat. Stir the seeds into your black tea for a tangy taste. Pull the pomegranate apart into halves or sections. Pomegranates can seem intimidating if you have never worked with them before. ‘Never cut a pomegranate through the heart. How do I know when pomegranates are ripe? It should be crosswise cut To reveal the seeds on both halves. Health benefits of pomegranates You’ll want to use a really good (and sharp!) References. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Try them atop: Salads; Yogurt; Oatmeal; Cold cereal; Quinoa salad; You can also juice pomegranate seeds and use them to make salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and more. Prepare for a relaxing evening with a bottle of, Create a healthy treat by making a mango smoothie. Unless you're looking for water-logged seeds, run the other way! Or how else to use? All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. It is useful in diabetes, fights cancer, protects liver, heart and brain from oxidative stress and degenerative diseases, and useful in oral health. It will also have a very large crown. You are much more likely to find truly ripe, fresh pomegranates at farmers markets, co-ops that get deliveries directly from farmers, and farm stands. Here's a healthy spinach salad with pomegranate seeds, walnuts, red onions, feta cheese, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. The most efficient and quickest way to eat a pomegranate is to follow the simple steps detailed below. The pomegranate seeds are covered with Bonus: the various colors in this dish will serve to liven up your meals. Weight Many of … Yes, the crunchy pomegranate seeds inside the pulpy arils are perfectly safe to eat. Claim now Subscription offer: save 44% and receive a brand-new cookbook. Last Updated: November 27, 2020 Look for plump, rounded pomegranates. It has antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that makes it useful in treatment of various infections. Find that out in the article, or cut in half, then whack it with a spoon or something hard. Make them last. Use a sharp knife to cut just through the peel of the pomegranate from stem to end along the white sections that run from the center to the peel between the seeds—there should be six sections to score between. Follow the sections of the pomegranate as divided by the white pith as much as possible (this is where the fruit will naturally pull apart in most cases) and using the scored cuts you made to help you out. There should be no sign of green. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. For suggestions on what to pair pomegranate seeds with, scroll down! According to the experts at the Pomegranate Council, the best way to tell if a pomegranate is ripe is to hold it. How to Eat a Pomegranate Get to the juicy center of this superfood with this easy method. Don't eat the yellow part though. Pomegranate juice can be quite messy, and will easily stain clothing. Sprinkle the seeds in your morning oatmeal or cereal. The edible part of the pomegranate are the red … You can also cut the pomegranate into large chunks, pick them up, and bite down on the seeds. Selecting a Pomegranate. Eat the seeds for a vitamin-filled snack. You can eat the hard seeds, or spit them out. The arils (seeds) are delicious alone, in cereals, or in your favorite dish. Score the fruit several times and then cut or break into fourths. Add some lemon juice for zest. When they're frozen, put them in a freezer bag and back in the freezer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Caution, pomegranate juice stains. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over yogurt or ice cream. This article has been viewed 1,307,384 times. Prevents Arthritis and Joint Pain. Pomegranate juice is as good for you as it is tasty to drink. Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad. And when it comes to how to eat a pomegranate, it’s easy to feel intimidated by the tough rind and the honeycomb of jewel-like arils within. Although many fruits are picked for their roundness, round pomegranates should be avoided. Like I mentioned, you’re not really eating a pomegranate, rather, you’re eating the pomegranate’s seeds, which are called arils. Make a fruit salad of pomegranate seeds, blueberries, and persimmons. Hate: de-seeding them. How to open a pomegranate. They’re also loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full. Pomegranates are ripe when the skin is reddish-pink. It's particularly nice at Christmas. Make a fruit salad of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and ripe pears. For suggestions on what to pair pomegranate seeds with, scroll down! Join the discussion today. Love: eating them. Dried pomegranate seeds can also be ground in order to create chutney or anardana, an Indian spice used in meat dishes. This article has been viewed 1,307,384 times. Then, cut the pomegranate in half (or into quarters) on a cutting board, Place one of the pomegranate sections under the water and start peeling the seeds … I know it may seem like all pomegranates look the same, but now you know how to pick a pomegranate that has the juiciest seeds in the land. Soak pomegranate-stained clothes for about 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda for each cup of water to help remove the stain. Scatter the juicy sacs over salads, fresh-cut fruit; use in marinades or rice dishes. Take the edges of the section and pull them back towards you to push the seeds out towards the bowl. Unlike the profligate pear, the indiscriminate apple and the promiscuous plum, the noble pom, replete with its queenly crown, makes you work for your prize -- the plump, succulent arils, or seeds, a bounty worthy of the extra effort they demand. Cut the pomegranate into quarters—then peel with your hands. 2. How to eat pomegranate? Cutting Along the Side Roll your pomegranate on the cutting board to loosen the seeds. Now that you’ve got the skinny on what pomegranates taste like and how to deseed them, you can go and tackle all the best recipes. By Budget Bytes. Pomegranates. Cook with crunch. Watch this video to learn how to eat a pomegranate. Pomegranate seeds are sweet, juicy and jewel-like, covered with a hard outer shell. Pomegranate seeds can be … The heavier the pomegranate is, the juicier it will be. At the store, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size and otherwise … This means a lot of pomegranates are picked a bit under-ripe. Read the How to eat a pomegranate? Nutrients. I find the pomegranate seeds bitter. Choose the right ones. Soak the pomegranate in cold water, then gently peel the skin to reveal the seeds inside. Also, the skin of the pomegranate can be a bit bitter so you should avoid biting into it too much. I like to trim away about 1/4 inch. Pomegranate is one of the most intimidating and kind of expensive fruit from India. Add pomegranate seeds to a salad of roasted butternut squash, spinach, and feta cheese. Whenever I told people I’d never had a pomegranate before you’d think I’d announced some atrocious act with the shocked looks I received. Check out our guide on how to eat pomegranates with delicious, simple recipes. Finally, the good stuff: Now that you've got your fruit in sections, it's easy to … Stir the seeds into your orange juice or apple juice. Then, comes the … Once you've gathered the pomegranate seeds for this dish, the rest is a cinch. The fact is that most people don't know the benefits of pomegranate, what exactly is it for. Pomegranates with sides that are slightly flat are riper because the ripe seeds inside exert pressure, causing the pomegranate sides to flatten. To create this article, 32 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. One way to eat pomegranate seeds is alone as a snack. Lamb Chops with Pomegranate Relish The tart flavor of the pomegranate gives a really nice contrast to the lamb chops. A pomegranate should be tart-sweet and juicy and is thought to be full of health benefits. Working over a clean work surface or bowl, turn each pomegranate section "out." Hold one half, cut-side down, over a large bowl. Using a bowl of water, hold the half upside down and beat gently with a wooden spoon so the seeds drop down in the water. It’s a great way to add antioxidants to your morning smoothie. The arils are what hold the antioxidant-rich, sweet/tart pomegranate juice, and are great for topping salads, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, or popping ’em plain and pretending they’re healthy Nerds. Yes, you can eat the seeds. Pomegranate rind or peel powder has many medicinal nutritional health benefits. Pull apart sections and then remove the arils and seeds, which can be eaten fresh or added to recipes. Pull the pomegranate apart into halves or sections. Then, score the sides of the pomegranate. How to Eat a Pomegranate Get to the juicy center of this superfood with this easy method. If you choose ripe pomegranates, they can be very sweet with a hint of sourness. But this ruby red versatile fruit is packed full of rich antioxidants and can be eaten in a variety of ways, making it worth any effort you put in to extract the seeds. Pick out the seeds with your hands and put them in a container, or eat them as you go. How to Eat Pomegranate. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Eat-a-Pomegranate-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-a-Pomegranate-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Eat-a-Pomegranate-Step-1.jpg\/aid666353-v4-728px-Eat-a-Pomegranate-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"