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    Home / Articles

    The BEST Way to Eat a Pomegranate + How to Remove Pomegranate Arils

    Posted On Oct 20, 2016 · Updated On Oct 19, 2020

    The BEST Way to Eat a Pomegranate + How to Remove Pomegranate Arils

    The easiest way to open and clean a pomegranate

    Gluten Free Advice + ExpertsKC's BlogTips & Tricks

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    I'd like to share the best way to open, clean and eat a pomegranate with you! My family has been growing pomegranates for decades, so we've tried every method around.  Here's the easiest way to get the seeds (they're actually called arils) out of a pomegranate for eating.

    How to remove pomegranate arils from the fruit:

    1 - lay the pomegranate on it's side, and cut directly through the center

    2 - hold the pomegranate half, cut side down, over a large bowl

    3 - smack the top of the pomegranate with a large spoon (I use a wooden one) so the arils fall into the bowl. rotate the pomegranate half so you can remove all the arils.

    4- repeat with the other half of the pomegranate, then throw out the rind and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

    If you love savory pomegranate recipes, try these Endive Cups with Pancetta & Pomegranate and this Pomegranate Wild Rice Pilaf. If you're a cocktail fan, check out my Spiced Pomegranate Sangria, Pomegranate Mojito and Pomegranate Pineapple Margarita.  

    You can freeze arils if you'd like to use them later - here's the easiest way:

    Line a sheet pan (or flat-bottomed pan that will fit in your freezer) with wax or parchment paper. Spread the arils out in a single layer on the pan, and freeze for 4-6 hours.  Then pour the frozen arils into a freezer bag or airtight container. They'll be individually frozen for easy use.

     

    About pomegranate arils:

    Pomegranate Wild Rice PilafThe ruby-red kernels found inside pomegranates are called correctly arils, even though they are often marketed as "pomegranate seeds". Pomegranate arils contains the seed and juice of the fruit, wrapped in a thin membrane. Arils are actually even healthier than plain juice, because the seed itself contains punicic acid, in addition to all the superpowered-superfruit-goodness in pomegranate juice. You can find them in stores frozen, freeze dried, or fresh - or you can remove them from the whole pomegranate yourself.  The seed inside gives arils a slight crunch, so I usually pair them with something crispy in recipes.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      October 21, 2016 at 5:42 am

      Pomegranates have always been one of my favorite fruits! I don't think I ever knew you could freeze them, thanks for the tip!

      Reply
    2. Julie @ Texan New Yorker says

      October 21, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Love this! I'm always that person who chickens out and pays extra for the cases of the seeds at the produce deptartment :/ Looks fun to whack it though 🙂 lol!

      Reply
    3. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says

      October 21, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      Such great info, and I love the video!

      Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        November 01, 2016 at 10:13 pm

        thank you!

        Reply
    4. Amanda Kanashiro says

      October 22, 2016 at 1:16 am

      I love fresh pomegranate seeds!

      Reply
    5. Sylvie says

      October 26, 2016 at 7:04 am

      Great tip to freeze them!

      Reply

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    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

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