Pomegranate is a delicious and nutritious fruit, but it is a bit difficult to open.
Luckily, you can open this delicious fruit using a few simple techniques. If you just want to eat it, make shallow slices with a knife, then open the fruit. If you want to remove the seeds, cut the pomegranate in half, then soak it in water or beat the fruit with a spoon.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cut the Pomegranate Vertically
Step 1. Roll the pomegranate on a cutting board to loosen the seeds
Flatten the palm and use it to press the fruit. Press the pomegranate firmly as you roll it across the surface of the cutting board.
This is to make it easier for you to remove the seeds
Variation:
If you have a clean kitchen counter, you can roll it across the counter instead of on a cutting board.
Step 2. Place the pomegranate in the center of the cutting board
Use a wooden or plastic cutting board to open the pomegranate. Pomegranate juice can stain anything, so you may have to cover the cutting board with a cloth to protect it.
Also, it's a good idea to wear rubber gloves when cutting pomegranates so you don't stain your hands
Step 3. Slice the top of the pomegranate (the flower-shaped one)
This part is also called the flower. Take a knife and cut off the top of the pomegranate, which is where the stalk attaches. Next, open the flower as you would when you open the lid. Throw the flower slices in the trash or compost bin.
If you wish, you can also remove the bottom of the pomegranate (optional)
Step 4. Cut the pomegranate in half along the ridge of the fruit
Examine the inside of the pomegranate, and look for the natural boundary separating the seeds (they are white). This is called the fruit back. Align the knife with the ridge of the middle fruit, then slice the knife.
Do not let the pomegranate seeds cut off, you just need to slice the white border that forms the back of the fruit
Step 5. Cut each ridge so that you get 5 easy-to-eat pomegranate slices
Cut a knife at each white border (which separates the seeds) inside the pomegranate. You will get 5 Slices, which are interconnected at the bottom of the pomegranate. Separate each slice to eat the seeds.
- You can scoop out the seeds using a spoon or your hands. The white part tastes bitter and fibrous. You better not eat it.
- The pomegranate that has been split will look like a star or flower.
Variation:
You can also cut the bottom of the pomegranate so the slices don't stick together.
Step 6. Tear off the pomegranate if you only want to remove the seeds
Tear the pomegranate in half using your hands. Maybe the size of the two halves of the pomegranate will not be the same, depending on the position of the back of the fruit contained in the pomegranate.
Method 2 of 4: Making Slices on the Sides of the Pomegranate
Step 1. Roll the pomegranate on a cutting board to loosen the seeds
Flatten your palms and gently press the sides of the pomegranate. Keep pressing the pomegranate firmly as you roll the pomegranate on a clean cutting board.
This is to make it easier for you to remove the seeds
Step 2. Place the pomegranate side against the cutting board
Lay the pomegranate so that the fleshy side is facing the cutting board. The tip of the pomegranate will stick out. You may need to place a towel under the pomegranate as the juice can stain.
Also wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from getting pomegranate juice stains
Step 3. Make 3 shallow incisions in the middle, top and bottom of the fruit
Slice the center first, then make 2 more slices about 0.5 cm apart from the bottom and top edges of the fruit. Slice through the skin of the pomegranate, being careful not to touch the seeds. The fruit will remain whole after you make these slices.
Step 4. Tear or slice the bottom and top of the fruit
You will be able to pick up the bottom and top just like when you open a lid. Next, throw the slices into the trash or compost bin. Now the seeds will definitely be visible. Otherwise, peel the flesh that is still covering the seeds.
At the top, some of the petals (also called the stalk or crown) may still be attached to the fruit. If there is, take the remaining petals gently
Step 5. Flip the pomegranate so that the freshly sliced part is facing out, then make another slice
Make shallow incisions as in the previous step. The slices should not penetrate the fruit and touch the seeds.
This makes it easier for you to separate the pomegranate to eat
Step 6. Roll the pomegranate over to the other side, then make a shallow slice
As in the previous step, make a cut that just goes through the skin. Slices should not reach the fruit.
At this point, the top and bottom of the pomegranate will open. Additionally, the pomegranate will have 5 shallow wedges along the rind
Step 7. Use your thumb to separate the pomegranate
Place your thumb in the middle, then tear the pomegranate in half. After that, press your thumb on the other 2 shallow slices you made, and tear the slices. You will get a few small pieces of pomegranate ready to be enjoyed.
You will find many delicious seeds inside each pomegranate slice
Method 3 of 4: Soaking Pomegranate in Water to Remove the Seeds
Step 1. Put cold, fresh water in a large bowl
You must use clean water because the seeds will be eaten. Add just enough water to the bowl to cover both halves of the pomegranate.
Step 2. Make a shallow cut on the side of the pomegranate
You don't need to cut off the top or bottom if you just want to remove the seeds. Make thin slices on the pomegranate skin. Don't slice too deep so you don't cut the seeds.
Step 3. Tear the pomegranate in half using your thumb
Insert your thumb into the side of the pomegranate, then slowly disassemble the fruit. The sides of the fruit will be even, but it's okay if they're not.
The seeds can be removed more easily if the pieces are even
Variation:
For quick removal of the seeds, you can make 2 additional shallow incisions in the skin of the fruit. Next, tear the pomegranate into four pieces. This makes the exposed surface larger so that the seeds can be removed more quickly.
Step 4. Place 2 pieces of pomegranate in the water
After being submerged in water for a few minutes, the white part of the pomegranate (called pith) will float and separate from the pomegranate. When this happens, the seeds will be released.
Step 5. Use your fingers to remove the seeds that are still attached
The white pith will float and the seeds will sink. When most of the seeds are out, flip the pomegranate skin over to remove the remaining seeds. When you're done, you'll have a pomegranate skeleton, shaped like 2 upside-down hats.
You may have to remove any seeds that are still attached to the pith
Step 6. Strain the pomegranate seeds in a bowl
Take the pomegranate peel and remove the white pith. Throw everything in the trash or compost bin. Next, pour the pomegranate seeds that are still mixed with water into a sieve. This is for collecting seeds, which you can transfer to a bowl to use.
Method 4 of 4: Removing the Seeds Using a Wooden Spoon
Step 1. Make shallow incisions on the sides of the pomegranate
Slice the pomegranate skin using a knife. Don't slice too deep to avoid hitting the seeds.
Step 2. Cut the pomegranate in half using your thumb
Stick your thumb on the pomegranate slice, then tear the pomegranate in half. You will get 2 pieces of pomegranate with almost the same size.
It doesn't matter if the pieces are not the same. However, if one of the pieces is too large, you may want to split it again. Just slice the skin, then tear the pomegranate into two parts. This makes it easier for you to remove the seeds
Step 3. Place one piece of pomegranate in a bowl, with the seeds facing down
Hold the pomegranate by the side or place the pomegranate in your open palm. Position the pomegranate in a medium or large bowl that is large enough to hold the seeds that fall off later.
Step 4. Beat the pomegranate peel with a wooden spoon
By doing so, the pomegranate seeds will fall into the bowl. Keep beating the pomegranate until all the seeds are gone.
When all the seeds in one of the pomegranate slices have been removed, do the same process to remove the seeds in the other pomegranate slice
Tip:
When you hit a pomegranate, there may be a splash of liquid from the fruit. This juice can contaminate fabrics or surfaces.
Warning
- Pomegranate can easily stain objects that are splashed with juice. Wear appropriate clothing and/or gloves when handling them.
- Be careful when handling the knife.
