How To Prepare A Pomegranate | BBC Good Food

Pomegranates are a round fruit with a shiny, hard exterior that contain hundreds of ruby red seeds. As well as being prized for their sweet flavour and juicy texture, the seeds are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Read more about the health benefits of pomegranate and discover our pomegranate recipes. The jewel-like seeds are ideal for livening up salads, cous cous dishes, drinks and desserts, while the molasses work well in rich marinades. We've also got plenty more serving suggestions in this guide on how to eat pomegranates.

Pomegranates may appear difficult to cut, but our easy tips will help you successfully open the fruit and remove the seeds without breaking them. Pomegranate juice is staining and has a tendency to squirt out, so our technique of submerging the fruit in water will stop the spray. All you need is a sharp knife to score the skin and a little patience.

Watch our easy video on how to remove pomegranate seeds:

How to cut a pomegranate

1. Roll the fruit first to loosen the seeds.
2. Score around the middle and tear it open into halves. Take care not to cut through into the seeds, just the skin.
3. Hold each half over a bowl, seeds facing down and tap the skin with a wooden spoon, squeezing a little to release the seeds.
4. Alternatively, score four lines from top to bottom to quarter the pomegranate.
5. Submerge the pomegranate in a bowl of water and and pull apart the quarters, releasing the seeds with your hands.
6. The pith will float and the seeds will sink. Remove the pith and discard, then drain the seeds.

Our infographic guide also shows a step-by-step method for de-seeding pomegranates:

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Check out our guide on how to eat pomegranates with delicious, simple recipes.

Take a look at our pomegranate recipe collection for more inspiration.