Getting the seeds (arils) out of a pomegranate is not as difficult as it may seem. I got more than a cup of arils out of just one large pomegranate, pictured here.
Start by cutting off the top of the pomegranate about 1/2 inch down from the top (the crown).
As soon as the top is off, you will see the arils. They are packed in sections divided by membranes – a lot like the sections of an orange.
To make it easier to divide the pomegranate into its sections, score the membrane along the top.
Pull the sections apart, revealing all of the arils inside. Now scoop out the arils into a bowl of water.
When you put the arils (and the few pieces of membrane that stay with them) into a bowl of water, the arils sink to the bottom and the pieces of membrane float to the top.
Scoop away the pieces of membrane.
Strain the arils through a strainer or colander.
Now they are ready to go. You can top a salad with pomegranate seeds are just munch them in a snack. I’m going to use them in an apple-pomegranate spice bread recipe I just create. Check back for that post.
