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.
5 replies on “How to Get the Arils Out of A Pomegranate”
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This simple solution to separating the seeds in super! So useful. I’ve loved pomegranates before they were touted for their health benefits, but I always felt like there was so much waste. THANKS!
This is great, I’ve always made a mess. I’m going out right now to buy my own pom. BTW The photo showing the scoring is very pretty!
Thanks for sharing the separating trick. I bought a pomegranate just this morning and will soon try this!
My husband (Spice) grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan and has fond memories of eating this delicious fruit. To get the Arils out without crushing the fruit, he cuts it into halves or quarters, flips it over in the palm of his hand so Arils are facing down, and then gently taps it with the long end of a utencil (knife sharperner, dowel, etc.) This keeps the juice from bursting out of the Arils while you removing them.
Besides being delicious, it is a gorgeous fruit!
Isteh Khoob (Bon Appetite)