How to Make Fresh Pomegranate Juice

Touted for everything from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to preventing plaque and osteoarthritis, pomegranates and pomegranate juice are a delicious way to get a dose of antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C. Make fresh pomegranate juice with a simple method that utilizes the fruit's delicious taste and health benefits. Use these steps to choose the best pomegranates and make fresh pomegranate juice.

Instructions

1. Select pomegranates that have a dark pink color to make fresh pomegranate juice since deep red pomegranates tend to be mushy and too ripe. Fruits heavy for their size indicate added juiciness, but avoid those with a lot of cracks or bruises.

2. Make fresh pomegranate juice in a blender by removing the seeds from the pomegranates. (Either tear open the fruit, invert it over a bowl and tap the back with a wooden spoon to loosen the seeds or hold the fruit in a bowl of water and pick out the seeds with your fingertips.) Blend the seeds in the blender, then strain the juice to remove the tiny pits.

3. Extract juice from the pomegranates with a manual juice extractor. Use the same twisting motion that you would when juicing a lemon. Although automatic juicers are quicker, they may also extract juice from the pomegranates' white pith and make the juice bitter. A manual juice press is also effective for drawing the tart juice from the fruit.

4. Get a quick drink of pomegranate juice by rolling the fruit on a hard surface to break open the sacks inside the fruit. Make a small incision in the skin to squeeze the juice out. You can also insert a straw in the opening to drink the juice directly.

5. Consider adding sugar after you make fresh pomegranate juice to taste if you find it too tart. Drink the juice on ice, or blend it into a smoothie, hot tea or cocktail. Pomegranate juice is also a tasty addition to sauces and desserts.

Tips & Warnings

• After you make fresh pomegranate juice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also free pomegranate juice for about six months-try pouring it into ice cube trays or freezing pre-measured amounts so it will be ready to use in recipes immediately.