How to Prep and Eat a Pomegranate (with Photos!)

How to Pick a Perfect Pomegranate

When choosing a pomegranate, it can be challenging to determine whether it’s ripe or not. But don’t worry, there are a few tricks to help you pick the perfect one. Here are the steps to follow:

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Color: Choose a fruit with a deep red color. Keep in mind that the color may vary depending on the cultivar, and most common pomegranates found in grocery stores are red, while those from farmers’ markets or specialty stores can range from yellow to purple with pink and red varieties being the most common.

Weight: Hold the fruit in your hand and feel its weight. A ripe pomegranate is heavier due to the juice release.

Appearance: Look for a fruit that is free of scratches, cuts, cracks, bruises, and decay. The skin should also have a slight give, rather than being rock hard.

How to Cut a Pomegranate

Before you start eating your pomegranate, you’ll need to prepare it by cutting it open. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cut off the blossom end of the pomegranate, just enough to expose the inner arils and pulp. This will help you remove the pomegranate seeds (arils) more easily.

Step 2: Score the pomegranate into six sections, being careful not to cut too deep as you’ll damage the arils.

Step 3: Break the pomegranate apart by sliding your fingers between the scored lines, holding it over a bowl of water to catch any arils that fall out.

How to Use Pomegranate Arils

Once you’ve removed the pomegranate seeds (arils), you can use them in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Add them to salads, like this winter salad with goat cheese and arugula
Top roasted Brussels sprouts with them for a flavorful and nutritious side dish
Use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast
Make a juice or molasses to use as a glaze for duck, chicken, or beef

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you supposed to eat the seeds of a pomegranate?

Yes, the seeds, also called arils, are the edible part of a pomegranate. They are high in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation, and are also high in fiber and potassium. It’s best to avoid eating the pith, which is bitter, and to discard both the pith and the skin.

What is the correct way to eat a pomegranate?

The correct way to eat a pomegranate is to cut the blossom end to expose the arils and sections, then score the sections along the ridges on the outside of the pomegranate. Next, pull apart the sections over a bowl of water to catch the arils. Hold each section under water and scoop out the arils with your fingers. Drain off the pith and debris, then drain and rinse the arils before eating them.

Do you eat the whole pomegranate seed or spit it out?

The entire pomegranate seed is edible. You can eat both the juicy part and the seed itself. Pomegranate seeds are packed with antioxidants and fiber.