Ed’s Produce: Removing Pomegranate Seeds 101
Pomegranates contain hundreds of bright red seeds known as arils. Removing these seeds may seem intimidating at first, but once you understand their structure, the process becomes much easier. Pomegranates have a thick outer rind and a white membrane, with the arils being found in the membrane chambers. Although it may be tempting, refrain from cutting the pomegranate straight down the middle, since this will rupture hundreds of arils. Now that you have a basic understanding of how pomegranates are structured, let’s dive into removing the seeds so the fruit is ready to eat!
A Guide to Removing the Arils
Place the washed pomegranate on a flat surface and slice off the top crown. Once the inner part of the fruit is visible from the top, look at the lines running from the center to the edge. Following these natural ridges will keep the seeds in-tact. Carefully score down the sides with shallow vertical cuts, but do not cut all the way through, since the rind will split easily when scored. Gently break apart the pomegranate and use your thumbs to pry it open. Remove the arils by tapping the rind and pushing the seeds out into a bowl. If the arils are stubborn, use a wooden spoon to scoop out the remainder. Be sure to work slowly since pomegranate seeds are delicate! You can easily store the seeds by placing them in an airtight container or plastic zippered bag, which will keep them fresh for up to five days. For even longer storage, line a tray with parchment paper and scatter the seeds evenly across the tray in a single layer. Place in the freezer uncovered for roughly two hours or until frozen. Store the pomegranate seeds in an airtight container once removed from the freezer then place back inside, where they can last up to three months.
Preparing a pomegranate becomes simple once you understand its natural structure. Focus on careful cuts and remember not to rush the process since the arils are delicate and may break open. With Thanksgiving around the corner, show off your new skills and prepare a wonderful pomegranate dish!
