Find out how to cut a pomegranate in this short and easy-to-follow tutorial! Once it’s opened, add the juicy, ruby-red jewels to sweet and savory recipes like salads, yogurt bowls, ice cream, cocktails, and more!
Remove Top: Hold the pomegranate in the palm of your hand with the blossom end facing up. With a paring knife, make a shallow cut, about ½-inch below the top, in a circular motion all the way around. Carefully peel the top of the pomegranate back to reveal the seeds underneath. You don’t want to cut too deep as you will pierce the arils.
Score: Have a feel of the pomegranate to check for the ridges, then look at it top down to find the white portions that divide the fruit into sections. Starting at the top end, make shallow cuts down to the bottom along the white portions.
Open: Hold the pomegranate in your hands and gently pull it apart to separate each section, revealing the seeds inside.
Deseed: Turn the pomegranate upside down over a large bowl, and gently hit the bottom with a wooden spoon. You can also use your fingers to reach arils that are not dislodging. (Alternatively for even less mess, hold each piece under water and work the arils out with your fingers.)
Remove Membranes: Fill the bowl with water, and the white pieces will float to the top while the seeds stay at the bottom. Scoop the membranes off with a spoon and discard them.
Drain: Drain the pomegranate seeds in a colander or mesh strainer. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or add them to recipes like salads, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, and smoothies.