How To Select And Store Pomegranates: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Select and Store Pomegranates PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: May 29, 2025 Approved

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  • Selecting a Pomegranate
    • |
  • Removing the Seeds
    • |
  • Storing a Pomegranate
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 88% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 215,082 times.

Pomegranates are an autumn fruit, and you can find the ripest ones at the end of the season.[1] Unlike eating other fruits, you eat the seeds, or arlis,[2] of the pomegranate, which are filled with delicious juice. While choosing the right pomegranate and removing the seeds takes a little more work than doing so for other fruits, it's worth the effort!

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Pomegranate

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  1. Step 1 Select a heavy pomegranate. 1 Select a heavy pomegranate. While at the grocery store or farmers market, choose the heaviest pomegranates to purchase.[3] The weight of the pomegranate signifies how juicy it is. Lighter pomegranates do not contain as much juice as heavier ones.
    • Although you could weigh each pomegranate on a produce scale, you don't necessarily need to do so. Just grab one in each hand and continue comparing until you have found the heaviest ones.
  2. Step 2 Choose a pomegranate with a deep colored rind. 2 Choose a pomegranate with a deep colored rind. The rinds vary in shades of red, from bright to more brownish[4] or even pink.[5] The rind should also be glossy.[6] While the shade of the rind doesn't signify anything about ripeness or flavor, the deeper the color, the better.[7] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Examine the shape. 3 Examine the shape. Unripe pomegranates are round, like apples. However, their shape changes slightly as the fruit ripens and the juice-filled seeds begin to expand outward and press against the insides of the pomegranates. A ripe pomegranate will have more of a square shape because the sides will be flattened (instead of rounded).[8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Select and Store Pomegranates 4 Test the fruit for any soft areas. To be sure your pomegranates aren't bruised, hold each pomegranate and gently squeeze it. The pomegranates should be hard, with no mushy spots.
  5. Step 5 Select pomegranates with smooth, unbroken surfaces. 5 Select pomegranates with smooth, unbroken surfaces. The rind should be soft enough to scratch. If so, you know you have a ripe pomegranate. Unripe pomegranates have very hard rinds that cannot be scratched.[9]
    • However, in very ripe pomegranates, the rind will be splitting open because the seeds are filled with juice and are expanding, which puts pressure on the outside of the pomegranate, causing the rind to split. You're more likely to find pomegranates like this at the end of Autumn, when they are ripest, and at your local farmers market (rather than the supermarket).[10]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Seeds

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  1. Step 1 Dress appropriately. 1 Dress appropriately. Before de-seeding your pomegranate, you may want to grab an apron or change into an old shirt that you don't mind getting stained. The juice from pomegranates will stain your clothes, so you might not want to wear your favorite outfit while removing the seeds!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Select and Store Pomegranates 2 Cut your pomegranate into quarters.[11] The rind of pomegranates are hard, and you can't really peel a pomegranate because the seeds are nested into and attached to the internal membrane. To get to the edible part of the pomegranate, you'll need to cut into and through the rind. Cutting the pomegranate into quarters rather than halves will give you better access to the seeds.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Select and Store Pomegranates 3 Fill a bowl with water. Select a bowl in which you can submerge your pomegranate quarters. A medium size mixing bowl should be deep enough. Leave enough space in the bowl to place your hands into it without causing the water to overflow.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Select and Store Pomegranates 4 Place your quartered pomegranate in the water-filled bowl. Removing the seeds of the pomegranate in water is the easiest way to de-seed your fruit because the seeds are heavier than the membrane that surrounds the seeds. Thus, the seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, and the membrane will rise to the surface.[12]
    • Alternately, you can remove the seeds over the bowl and let the flesh and seeds drop into the bowl (rather than submerging the pomegranate in the water).[13] This way, you can immediately dispose of the rind when you have removed all the seeds.
    • Removing the seeds underwater, however, lessens the risk that you may drop part of the pomegranate onto your counter top and stain it.[14]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Select and Store Pomegranates 5 Separate the seeds from the flesh. While submerged in the water, hold the pomegranate quarter with one hand, and run the thumb of your other hand around the clumps of seeds.
    • Once you have removed all the seeds, you can skim off the membrane from the top of the water with your hands or a small strainer. Remove the seeds from the bottom of the bowl in the same manner.[15] Enjoy eating the plump seeds or prepare for storage!
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Storing a Pomegranate

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  1. Step 1 Refrigerate. 1 Refrigerate. Refrigerating your pomegranate rather than leaving it on your counter or in your fruit basket will help keep it fresher longer.[16] You can expect your pomegranate to last for about two months if you keep it refrigerated.[17]
  2. Step 2 Store your pomegranate in a dry, cool place. 2 Store your pomegranate in a dry, cool place. It will last for about a month this way[18] and for a week at room temperature.
  3. Step 3 Refrigerate the seeds. 3 Refrigerate the seeds. After removing the seeds from your pomegranate, you can store them in the refrigerator for five days. Be sure, however, to seal them tightly in a container or plastic bag before storing them.
  4. Step 4 Freeze 4 Freeze the seeds.[19] If you don't plan on eating your seeds within a few days, you can prolong the freshness by storing them in the freezer.
    • Be sure the seeds are completely dry before freezing them.[20] Otherwise, they will clump together.
    • You can also flash freeze the seeds before freezing them in a storage bag. After drying any remaining water off the seeds, place them in a single layer on a wax-paper lined baking sheet. Freeze them on the baking sheet for two hours before storing them in a freezer bag.[21]
    • Pomegranate seeds can be stored in the freezer for about a year and are best if used within a year[22] .
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Community Q&A

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  • Question My pomegranates are ripe now, in April, but I would like to know how I can store them until October, when I need them for a special occasion? Community Answer Community Answer Freezing is a great option. Remove the arils, wash them to remove any white bits that remain, thoroughly dry them, and then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. This is important, otherwise the arils will freeze together en mass and then burst when they defrost. Once the arils have frozen completely, then you can place them in a zip lock bag and store in the freezer till you need them. Once October arrives, take the bag out and defrost. The arils should stay intact, and this method minimizes the amount of juice wasted during the defrost process. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 15
  • Question How can I store a whole pomegranate for several months to be used on a special occasion? Community Answer Community Answer Put it in a plastic bag and close it so it's airtight (the ones in grocery stores for fruit and veggies work well), then put it in the refrigerator and it will last for up to 3 months. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
  • Question If the seeds are like eating unpopped popcorn, do I still chew them up and swallow them? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. Pomegranate seeds are similar in size to corn kernels, but they're not hard like popcorn. They're surrounded by soft fruit. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
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Video

Tips

  • Be conscious of where you are eating the pomegranate seeds, as they will immediately stain light colored clothing, table cloths, and carpets if dropped.[23] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Fridge or freezer for longer storage
  • Freezer storage bag for seeds if freezing
  • Container for refrigerating
  • Baking sheet & wax paper if flash freezing for storage
  • Medium or large mixing bowl
  • Strainer (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  2. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  3. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  4. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  5. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  6. ↑ https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/pomegranates/pomegranate-recipes/
  7. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  8. ↑ https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/pomegranates/pomegranate-recipes/
  9. ↑ https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/pomegranates/pomegranate-recipes/
More References (14)
  1. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  2. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  3. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  4. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  5. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  6. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/pomegranates/
  7. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  8. ↑ http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pomegranate
  9. ↑ http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pomegranate
  10. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-pomegranates-s-story.html
  11. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  12. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/
  13. ↑ https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/pomegranates/pomegranate-recipes/
  14. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_de_seed_a_pomegranate/

About This Article

Jennifer Levasseur Reviewed by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef This article was reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. This article has been viewed 215,082 times. 8 votes - 88% Co-authors: 9 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 215,082 Categories: Featured Articles | Food Selection and Storage Article SummaryX

To select and store pomegranates, start by choosing pomegranates that are heavy and square shaped, which are signs that they're ripe and juicy. You should also try to avoid pomegranates that are bruised or broken. When you're ready to store your pomegranates, put them in your fridge where they'll last for a couple of months. If you plan on eating them soon, you can keep pomegranates at room temperature for up to a week. If you've already taken the seeds out of them, refrigerate the seeds in a plastic container or bag for up to 5 days. If you want to learn how to remove the seeds from the pomegranates, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jennifer Levasseur Reviewed by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef Co-authors: 9 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 215,082 88% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote Wendy Wilson

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Oct 12, 2016

"I was introduced to pomegranates last year at the end of the season, so I didn't know much. Now I know how to..." more A. Frost

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"I bought a pomegranate to put in my son's Christmas stocking (he doesn't eat oranges). I needed to know..." more Alyson Breathed

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"This was the most complete article I've read and it had the most accurate and helpful info. It answered all my..." more Ashley Roach

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"Clear step-by-step instructions supported by pictures. I have never used pomegranates before, and appreciated the..." more JEAN FOSTER

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