Powerful pomegranates
This article was originally published in December 2011
One of the earliest cultivated fruits, pomegranates have been extolled in literature and are a longtime symbol of health, fertility and rebirth.
Packed inside their leathery skins are hundreds of garnet seeds or “arils”: little jewel-like capsules exploding with sweet, tart flavor. These arils are loaded with antioxidants and are high in vitamin C and potassium, hence the “superfood” title bestowed upon pomegranates. While cracking into one and extracting the arils can be daunting, messy or labor-intensive, a simple method will have you enjoying this enchanting fruit in no time.
Get to the goodness
How to seed a pomegranate
- Slice off the crown end of the pomegranate and score the skin from top to bottom in quarters.
- Submerge the fruit in a bowl of water and break the quarters apart.
- Keeping the fruit submerged (this keeps the ruby red juice from staining your cutting board or clothes), separate the seeds from the rind and membrane.
- Discard the rind. The membrane will float to the top while the seeds will sink. Scoop out the membrane and discard.
- Drain the seeds in a colander and enjoy!
GET COOKING
Try our recipe for Satsuma and Pomegranate Salsa, a lip-smacking winter treat perfect for entertaining.
Read more about our Satsumas.