Oh, pomegranates. We love you so much, but why are you so difficult to eat? Don't worry, we've figured out three easy ways to get the seeds - or arils - out of the pomegranates so you'll be enjoying them in no time.
Before starting, be sure to wash the outside of your pomegranate thoroughly.
The Water Trick
Pomegranate juice stains, so this method is one of the least messy. Fill a large bowl with water. Score the pomegranate into quarters. Plunge the pomegranate under the water and gently pull apart the skin then nudge the seeds out. The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the skin and pulp will float to the top of the water. When you've gotten all the seeds out, skim out the pulp and compost. Drain the water and seeds into a colander and pick out any remaining pulp bits. Enjoy!
The Spoon Trick
Cut the pomegranate into halves or quarters. Holding the pomegranate over a large bowl, seed side down, whack the back of the pomegranate firmly with a wooden spoon. All of the seeds will just fall into the bowl. Repeat with the remaining quarters, picking out pulp when necessary.
The Slice Trick
With this method, you have to be precise in your cutting which can be tricky.
Begin by carefully slicing off the top of the pomegranate (about a quarter inch from the top).
Next, score the skin of the pomegranate. Only cut through until you hit the white parts so you don't cut into the seeds and make a mess.
Use the white ridges - the natural "pockets" separating the seeds - as your guide.
Gently pull the wedges apart and use your fingers to nudge out the seeds. Because you cut around the pulp, the seeds should mostly be all exposed for easy seed collecting, without having to pick out as much pulp as the other two methods above.
Get your pom-pom on! You can enjoy them as a snack, add them to drinks or smoothies, top salads or yogurt, or even toss them in your pancake batter. What's your favorite way to use them?
How To Add Organic Pomegranates To Your Delivery: CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. On the second page of customizations, you’ll find “Produce by the Case” and can stock up if you want a big batch of pomegranates. The Market is open from noon on Thursday until 10 pm, 2 days before your scheduled delivery day. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.
