How to deseed a pomegranate: easy steps

Pomegranates, believed to originate from Iran, grow in various regions worldwide. They are featured in many dishes and are known for their health benefits. Their vibrant color enhances winter meals. However, breaking into this thick-skinned fruit can be messy and time-consuming without proper techniques. The following method is quick and efficient.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To deseed your pomegranate, gather the following items:

• Pomegranate(s)
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Wooden spoon (flat back preferred)
• Small bowl filled with cold water
• Plastic cutting board
• Apron
• Strainer/colander

Note: A plastic cutting board simplifies cleanup. Pomegranate juice can stain wooden boards. If using wood, vinegar or lemon juice can help with stains.

Step 2: Create a Flat Surface

For optimal results, remove any obstacles preventing a good whack. Most pomegranates have two protruding parts: the crown (persistent calyx) and, occasionally, a stem. Often, store-bought pomegranates have the stem removed.

Using your knife, carefully cut off the crown, minimizing loss of the fruit. Avoid cutting into the seeds (arils) to prevent a mess and juice splatters during whacking.

Step 3: Halve the Pomegranate

Next, cut the pomegranate in half, parallel to your initial cut. This way, you should see a star shape made by the seeds. Rinse off any juice from the halves to lessen splatter.

Step 4: Loosen the Seeds

Hold one half of the pomegranate and gently pull on the sides of each hemisphere to loosen the seeds. Repeat this for the other half.

Step 5: Prepare for Whacking

Cup the pomegranate in your non-dominant hand, seeds facing your palm. Ensure your palm has space for the seeds to drop. Be careful that your fingers are below the edge of the fruit to avoid accidents.

Step 6: Whack Away!

Wear an apron or clothes that can tolerate stains—it’s pomegranate juice! Follow these steps:

1. Position the pomegranate over your bowl of water.
2. Ensure your fingers are out of harm’s way.
3. Use the flat back of the wooden spoon to whack the fruit gently; strike with enough force to dislodge the seeds without cracking the skin.
4. Allow the seeds that drop into your palm to fall into the water.
5. Adjust your hold to whack the sides for any remaining seeds.
6. Drop the seeds collected in your palm into the water.

The water causes the good seeds to sink while the membrane floats. Any seeds stuck to membrane pieces can be picked off, letting the seeds sink.

Finally, your seeds (arils) will rest in the bowl of water, and you can compost the empty shell.

Step 7: Drain the Seeds

Use a colander to drain your seeds.

Congratulations! You’ve deseeded your pomegranate(s) likely faster than you thought possible.

Step 8: Enjoy the Seeds!

Earlier SSP told how to remove skin from fish.