How To Cut A Pomegranate

For years I used to cut open a pomegranate right through the middle making a big juicy mess.  It would frustrate me because so much of that wonderful juice just dripped through my fingers and onto the cutting board.  I won’t even mention the aftermath of removing the seeds.  You don’t want to know about that mess!  Today’s post is all about sharing the goodness of Pomegranates and preserving as much of their juice as possible.

Here are three reasons you should be eating Pomegranates.

1. They’re high in Vitamin C and are in season when we need it the most (cold & flu season).
2. They pack 3g of fiber and almost 2g protein in 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds!
3. They nourish our bodies with Antioxidants that aid in the prevention of certain illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even cancer.   

Can we say SUPERFOOD?!!  Now, how ’bout a handy step-by-step tutorial on how to open one up!

Step 1: Hold the pomegranate with the flower end facing up.  With a sharp knife, carefully slice around the flower pit at a slight angle to remove some of the core with it.

Step2:  Peel off just enough of the outer layer on top to expose the membranes that separate the clusters of seeds (Arils).

Step 4: Break the wedges apart gently one at a time.  Peel back the outer layers and membranes one wedge at a time allowing the seeds to fall into a large bowl.

I’ve learned there is no “quick” method to getting ALL the seeds out.  I’m the kind of person that wants every last seed out, and the old trick of beating it with a spoon isn’t going to get me that result.  So, If you can appreciate what Pomegranates have to offer, the time you spend de-seeding this beautiful and complex fruit will be worth the effort of doing the work by hand.

Step 5:  After all the seeds have been removed, store them in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.  Personally, I like to eat the seeds whole, by the spoonful.  No messin around here, lol!