How to Extract Pomegranate Seeds

A white membrane holds all the seeds in place.

Pomegranates become available in most produce departments in fall and early winter. These ruby red fruits have scarlet colored skin. Encased inside the skin are 800 or more jewel-like red seeds. Rich in both fiber and vitamin C, pomegranates have a tart, yet mildly sweet flavor. Extracting the edible seeds from the pomegranate is difficult if not approached correctly, as they are encased in a white membrane and must be removed from both this membrane and the rind before you can consume them or add them to your favorite recipes.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Bowl
• Colander

Instructions

1. Cut the stem-end of the pomegranate off with a sharp knife. Cut the skin of the pomegranate, but not all the way through to the seeds inside, as though you were cutting the fruit into quarters.

2. Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the pomegranate. Leave it to soak in the water for about five minutes.

3. Hold the pomegranate under water and break it apart at the lines where you made your original cuts, revealing the seeds inside. Separate the seeds from the rind with your fingers and swish them around inside the bowl of water.

4. Scoop out the rind and white bits of membrane that float to the top of the water with a slotted spoon, then discard them. Swirl the seeds around in the bowl one or two more times to ensure all the bits of membrane float up and are removed.

5. Dump the bowl of water and seeds into a colander. Allow the water to drain completely. Use the seeds immediately or store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

Tips & Warnings

• The small jewel-like seeds are actually the arils---juice-filled sacks that surround each individual seed. The arils provide the main flavor but the hard seeds inside are edible, so there is no need to remove them or spit them out.

• Make pomegranate juice by placing the seeds inside a fine-mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Push the seeds so that the juice drains into the bowl while the seeds and skin remain in the strainer.

• Pomegranate juice stains hands and counters. Use a cutting board to protect counter tops and wear gloves if you are concerned about your skin being stained.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Pick a Better Snack- Pomegranate