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This super easy way to remove pomegranate seeds is amazing! And it takes less than a minute for a whole pom - no fuss, no mess, no water!
If you've ever felt intimidated by pomegranates, this post is for you! This easy way to remove pomegranate seeds technique totally eliminated my fear of this beautiful, crimson fruit.
Sometimes people ask me, “Do you ever get tired of cooking?” Except for rare occasions, my answer is "no". But as much as I love cooking, I have to admit there are certain foods I steer clear of because they intimidate me. I either don’t know what to do with them or they seem just too complicated to deal with.
Too fussy
Pomegranates fell into that category for a long time. As lovely as the ruby red arils (seeds) are in both savory and sweet recipes, the techniques used to extract them just seemed so fussy and messy. Those “in the know” swore by the underwater method; "cut the pom in half then submerge it in a bowl filled with water. Pick out the seeds allowing them to sink to the bottom of the bowl and discard the membrane and rind which floats to the top. Lastly, strain the seeds. “Voila, you’re done!” they proudly proclaimed.
That was way too much work for me. So, when I really wanted pomegranate seeds, I would buy them at the market in little packages with the work already done for me. But that presented another problem. A tiny portion of these little gems is ridiculously expensive. Consequently, I didn’t buy them very often and sadly, pomegranate seeds were not a part of my everyday ingredient arsenal.
A wonderful hack
Several years ago, however, my little culinary world was transformed (well, at least in regard to pomegranates)! I discovered a brilliant, super simple, non-messy, no-water way to extract the seeds. And it took less than a minute to remove the seeds from a whole pomegranate!
So exciting!
This might sound silly, but I was beyond thrilled with the results. Now, when pomegranates come into season (late fall and winter), I find myself using them everywhere; sprinkled on our morning yogurt, scattered on salads, brightening up soups and adding vibrant color to both sweet and savory dishes. You might even call me a “pomegranateaficionado!”
This delicious and healthyApple Cranberry Spinach Saladis one of our favorite seasonal salads and the pomegranate seeds make it look SO pretty!
A superfood
I’m hoping you’ll become one too, since pomegranates are known as a superfood with tons of wonderful health benefits, including fighting cancer and heart disease, as well as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. They’re also loaded withB vitamins, potassium, and folic acid. Next time you’re at the market, be sure to pick up a pom or two and try out this amazing technique. Check out how truly easy it is in our video:
And for more details, we'll walk you through the process, step by step:
- Wash the pomegranate well before starting. Any time you’re cutting into a fruit or vegetable with a skin or rind, you take the chance of introducing bacteria from the outer surface into the edible portion.After washing, slice the pomegranate in half horizontally.
- Place the pomegranate, cut side down, in your non-dominant hand with your fingers spread apart. Place a deep, medium-sized bowl under your hand with the pomegranate.
- Take a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon (if I have a choice, I like a sturdy wooden spoon best) and begin to whack firmly on the top surface of the pom.
- This is where some people go wrong. They try this technique and it doesn't seem to work - that's because they're lightly tapping. You want to give it a good WHACK. If you tap too gently, the seeds will NOT be released.
- Don't be afraid to give it some good, hard whacks - go ahead, get all your frustration and anxiety out. You'll feel much better and you'll have something beautiful to show for it!
- For demonstration purposes, I have the bowl set on the countertop. When I actually do this, I like to have the bowl down in the sink. It prevents a mess and it gives you a good angle to do the whacking.
- Continue to firmly tap (actually, "WHACK" is the right word) all over the top of the pomegranate until all seeds have fallen out. You can turn the pom over at any point to see if there are areas where the seeds seem to be "sticking". If so, flip the pom back over and focus your whacking on those areas until all the seeds are in the bowl.
- Repeat with the other half. You'll have a bit of white membrane mixed in with the seeds. Just pick this out and discard it.
- Store pomegranate arils (seeds) in the refrigerator in an airtight container or zippered bag.
- Arils will keep this way for 4-5 days. They can also be frozen and stored for several months.
- To freeze, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or waxed paper. Spread arils in a single layer, uncovered, until frozen, 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight storage container or a zippered freezer bag.
Looking for a delicious side? These Honey Maple Roasted Carrotsare like candy and always bring a ton of rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
That's it -The Easy Way to Remove Pomegranate Seeds. Super easy. Try it, you won't believe how simple it is! Bye-bye expensive pomegranate seeds!
You'll find a zillion ways to use these little culinary gems. The Honey Maple Roasted Carrots shown in the image above are a Café reader favorite. We also love the fabulous salad pictured below.
This bright, fresh Arugula Orange Salad with Lemon Ginger Dressing is loaded with delicious seasonal produce - perfectto brighten up the season!You can explore some of ourother pomegranate recipes here. The pomegranate season is short so enjoy them before they disappear for another year. Bon Appetit!
P.S. If this technique doesn't seem to work for you, you're probably not "whacking" hard enough. Start from fairly high up and give it a good whack. Don't be timid! A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon seems to work best.
The only other issue is an unripe pomegranate. But for the most part, the poms you buy at the grocery store are picked in their ripe state so this isn't an issue very often.
Thought for the day:
Praise theLord,my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:1&2
What we're listening to for inspiration:
This post was originally published back in 2013. Too important to be buried in the Café archives (well over 1,000 recipes) we've spiffed it up a bit and are republishing it for your fall and winter (pomegranate season) enjoyment! Cheers!
4.88 from 40 votes
The Easy Way to Remove Pomegranate Seeds
This Easy Way to Remove Pomegranate Seeds is utterly amazing! And it takes less than a minute with no fuss, no mess, no water!
Author: Chris Scheuer
Servings: 8
Calories: 29 kcal
Ingredients
- 1pomegranate
- a sharp knife
- a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon
- a medium size bowl
- storage container or zippered bag
Instructions
Wash the pomegranate well. Any time you’re cutting into a fruit or vegetable with a skin or rind, you take the chance of introducing bacteria from the outer surface into the edible portion.
Slice the pomegranate in half horizontally.
Take one of the halves and hold the cut side down in the palm of your non-dominant hand over a medium-size bowl. Spread your fingers a bit and position the pomegranate over them.
Take a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon and begin to tap firmly on the top surface of the pom. Don't be afraid to give it some good whacks. If you tap too gently the seeds will not be released.
The seeds will begin to fall through your fingers into the bowl. Continue to firmly tap (whack) until all seeds have been removed. Repeat with the other half.
Store pomegranate arils (seeds) in the refrigerator in an airtight container or zippered bag. Arils will keep this way for 4-5 days. They can also be frozen and stored for several months. To freeze, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or waxed paper. Spread arils in a single layer, uncovered, until frozen, 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight storage container or a zippered freezer bag.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts are for 1 medium size pomegranate.
Calories 29kcal
Sodium 1mg
Potassium 83mg
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 4g
Vitamin C 3.6%
Calcium 4%
Iron 0.1%
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Brian says
Broke my wooden spoon!
Used a metal spoon next, hit not only the top of fruit, but the sides, that got more to come out at once.Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Oh my! Yes, hitting it on top and sides does bring all of the seeds out!
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John says
Not a particularly useful article to be honest. I tried the method you mentioned. It still leaves a large number of seeds within the flesh, farthest away from the cut, as well as also making a mess.
I'm over the moon for the people it worked but but I'm going back to my normal method. Sure, it takes longer than 1 minute but doesn't create any mess and doesn't involve any hitting. Same amount of picking out of the flesh bits but better end result than your article. "No mess, no fuss, no water": sure, whatever you say! 😛
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Hi John, I'm so sorry this didn't work for you. There shouldn't be any seeds left within the flesh. Not sure what the problem was for you, without having been right there with you, but as you can read, this method has been highly successful for so many.
Reply
Ann says
That worked so well! Thanks
See AlsoShaved Broccoli SaladReply
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Awesome! Thanks, Ann!
Reply
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know, Ann!
Reply
Jimmy says
Took too long getting to the point. Get better at explaining kiddo
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Chris Scheuer says
Haha! There's a jump-to-the-recipe button for anyone who doesn't like or need a lot of explanation, kiddo!
Reply
PEACETOU says
Chris? As always, awesome information you've shared. Pomegranates are a seasonal favorite and although I don't mind the tactile experience of peeling the arils of these gems with my hands, time is sometimes of the essence. That's where this information shines! Also...because the season for me is waaaayyy too short, the information regarding freezing answers a question with a delightful answer for extending the enjoyment. Thank you! And a thought: No wonder the Good Lord decorated the Temple pillars with rows of 200 brass Pomegranates each, and, the Priestly robe of the High Priest with woven linen Pomegranates hanging alternately with brass bells around the hem. What lovely sight both must have been! I think of that everytime I look at a beautiful pomegranate! (Can't wait to try those carrots!😉)
Reply
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for your comment, Peactou!
Reply
Kat says
Did you really have to waffle on so long.......how many pages and recipes did I have to scroll through to get to the point - not really helpfull
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for you thoughtful comment, Kat. Kindess makes the world a much better place.
Just so you know, there's a jump to the recipe button at the top of every post that you can use to make things nice and expedient. Hope your day goes better after this.Reply
Sean says
❤️
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Debra says
Amazing! Less than a minute and both halves were empty. Used a wood spoon per suggestion with the bowl in the sink. Those little cups won’t be in my shopping cart anymore. These instructions were easy to follow and worked! Thank you!
Reply
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Awesome! Thank you for letting us know, Debra!
Reply
Dennis Tucker says
I found if you refrigerate the fruit first, it firms up the pulp. Then use a rolling pin for effectiveness. Turn the rind inside out to remove the lingering seeds!
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Dennis!
Reply
Bernie says
This was one rady way to get these little pearls out. But I found that if you have a fruit that is a bit too ripe, it can cause a mess. I had one, and my sink was a mess, but I got all those tiny pearls, froze a bunch and had the rest in the fridge. Thanks for the great tip....BUT you really have to whack it this!!!!
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Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Bernie!
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Marion says
Worked like a charm! So quick and easy!
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Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Marion!
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Jeff says
Complete waste of time. The seeds came out OK, but they ended up a bloody mess, and juice got splashed everywhere. I spent way longer cleaning up the mess, and the seeds looked terrible.
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Jeff, I'm sorry you had problems with this tutorial. It's difficult to say what went wrong without having been right there in the kitchen with you. As you can read from the reviews, others have had tremendous success with this technique. I've done it myself hundreds of times over the years, with great results, following the method prescribed.
Reply
Judy says
Maybe the pomegranate was too ripe? Or the whacking was too hard?
I tried it and it worked. That’s practically a miracle!Reply
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks, Judy!
Reply
Glinda says
Worked like a charm for me! Brilliant method!
Reply
Chris Scheuer says
Wonderful! Thank you for letting us know, Glinda!
Reply
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