By Carrie Saba –
My family loves pomegranates! Whenever we are at the grocery and my kids start seeing pomegranates I always get the question, “Can we get a pomegranate?” I was first introduced to pomegranates by my husband’s family and didn’t actually try it until I was well into my adult years.
Pomegranate juice is refreshing and the fruit is great to eat alone or use in a recipe. In addition, the USDA’s National Nutrient Database, indicates that they are high in potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. But there is one issue I had for years when it came to pomegranates and it was figuring out the easiest and least messy way to get the seeds out so that we can enjoy them.
While the seeds in a pomegranate are actually called arils, which is what covers the seed, most people call them seeds and that is how I will reference it as well throughout this article.
Since it took me a few times and a few conversations with friends to figure out the best way to cut a pomegranate, I thought I would share with you how to do it. My hope is that it might help you feel more comfortable eating one yourself and introducing it to your family. My kids have shared pomegranates with many of their friends and the kids seem to love them. So if you haven’t tried a pomegranate it might be the season for you to try one.
How to cut a pomegranate:
Before you get started it is best to use a plastic cutting board as the juice will stain a wood cutting board, as well as stain your shirt if you get it on you. While I have never ruined a shirt cutting a pomegranate, I can see how it could happen. So if you are at all concerned wear an apron or an old shirt.
You will need:
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl of water
- Container for the seeds
Step 1. Fill the bowl of water.
Step 2. Cut the pomegranate in half.
Step 3. Cut the half again so that you now have two quarters.
Step 4. Put the pomegranate face down into the water.
Step 5. While the pomegranate is in the water pull the seeds away from the skin. The seeds will sink and any left over of the skin will float, making it easy to separate them.
Step 6. Scoop out the skin from the top of the water.
Step 7. Strain the water and you are good to go with your fresh pomegranates.
Enjoy them by themselves as a snack or use in a recipe!!
Carrie Saba, Holistic Health Coach, helps others see their inner strength through a new light. She is a lifestyle change expert where her clients are energized by her insightful, upbeat coaching style. Carrie believes our spirit is fed by how we think, what we experience and what we eat. She empowers her clients and believes everyone should know their brilliance and enjoy life. You can learn more about her at http://www.carriesaba.com/. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CarrieSaba.