It is my favorite to eat pomegranates; however, removing them is slow and messy. This simple trick can help open pomegranates with ease while keeping hands free of dirt. All you require is a fresh pomegranate and the paring knife, as well as these directions!
This technique is ideal for opening a pomegranate for consumption by hand as an attractive centerpiece for a cheese or fruit plate or even as a preparation for a super-easy de-seeding (see step 4). I learned this technique from a pomegranate farmer at the local farmers’ market and have been amazed at its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a tip that every person ought to know!
What are the pomegranate arils?
An interesting fact about the sweet and vibrant red morsels within the pomegranate can be classified as arils of pomegranate, not seeds. They are the tiny fibrous portion in the middle of the arils (and they’re edible! ).
How to Cut a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are renowned as difficult to open, but they’re manageable as they may appear. Discover everything you must learn about opening the gorgeous fruit and what you can do with the juicy, delicious seeds.
Pomegranate cutting and scoring
Utilizing an abrasive knife ($16 Target), take away the top portion of the pomegranate about 1/2-inch in diameter from its top. When you’ve removed the top layer, the four to six sections of the pomegranate, separated by a clear membrane (pith), are visible. Cut the skin (rind) across each section, taking care not to cut the fruit.
Removing pomegranate seeds by using water
Peel the Pomegranate Skin
Pull the pomegranate pieces apart in a bowl filled with cool water. Let the pomegranate pieces sit on the surface of the water.
Remove and Separate the Pomegranate Seeds
When you are underwater, gently pull the arils free with your thumbs. The juicy and plump seeds of pomegranate will sink towards the bottom. Remove this white membrane (pith) that rises towards the top with a long spoon. Remove the water, and the fresh pomegranate seeds are ready to be eaten.
Tips for Test Kitchens: If you’re trying to preserve the arils of pomegranate, the vibrant red juice may cause a stain. If you spill some juice on your work surfaces, you should clean them up immediately using soapy water that is warm and soft. Additionally, it would help if you considered wearing an apron or work shirt to shield your clothing.
Where to Find the Best Pomegranates
You can find them in many grocery stores. However, if you reside near the area where they’re being grown, you’ll want to buy the produce at the farmer’s market.
You are likely to come across the ripest fruit – those starting to split and open with their sweet fruity arils growing beyond the capacity of the peel to hold them in.
My parents own a huge beautiful pomegranate tree filled with fruit each autumn. We are patient until the very last moment to pick them so that their seeds can have the time to mature into a rich red Burgundy.
How to Make Juice From Pomegranates
If you’d like to make juice from the arils, grind the arils one cup at a stretch in a blender, but just enough that you break up the arils. Use a spatula made of rubber to squeeze the juice through a fine mesh. If you can over-blend it, you’ll get a blend into the bitterer core that is the aril. It’s a matter of pulsing a few times, then straining.
Add sugar until you reach the desired sweetness. Two large pomegranates should produce about 1 cup of juice.
Be aware that pomegranates can be very acidic and react with certain metals, such as carbon, steel, and aluminum.
How to Freeze Pomegranate Seeds
After you’ve removed the seeds from the pomegranate, ensure the arils are completely dry. Please place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Set them on the counter for two hours or until completely frozen. Once frozen, please put them in the freezer bag or container and put their contents in freezers.
Do You Eat the Whole Pomegranate Seed?
Pomegranate seeds, also known as arils, are sweet, tart, and juicy. They contain a slightly crunchy middle seed. The whole seeds are edible, and the crispy seed provides a pleasant texture. A few people prefer to squeeze the juice out of the seed and throw it away the seed. However, they need to get the extra texture and the nutritional value of the seed’s center, which includes vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.