How to Cut Open a Pomegranate

Late fall is the season to enjoy the taste of a sweet pomegranate. As pomegranates ripen, their skin may split open, as if the plump juicy seeds inside can't contain themselves anymore. So choose a good one and follow these simple steps to cut it open.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Plastic cutting board
• Glass bowl
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Use a sharp knife to cut half way through the crown of the pomegranate. Pry it open the rest of the way with your fingers. Do this over a large glass bowl so that any seeds that fall out land in the bowl and not on your counter.

2. Repeat the same step with each pomegranate half until the fruit is cut into quarters.

3. Fill the bowl part way with water, and hold the pomegranate under the water. Pry the seeds away the peel. As you do this, the seeds will fall to the bottom of the bowl and the membranes will float on top.

4. Skim the membranes from the top of the water. Strain the water from the seeds.

5. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the fruit is too tart for your taste, add a little sugar.

Tips & Warnings

• Pomegranate juice stains and can ruin the look of a wooden cutting board. Cut it open on a plastic cutting board and do the rest over a large glass bowl.