How to Cut a Pomegranate

5 from 31 votes

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a pomegranate and de-seed it. Follow my technique to cut into segments & remove the arils

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Follow my easy tutorial on how to cut a pomegranate and discover all the yumminess this vibrant, beautiful fruit brings to recipes. Plus, I show you the best way to release the delicious pomegranate seeds after you’ve cut it!

Pomegranate cut into segments on white dish

Incorporate pomegranates into your diet, and you will get a dose of vitamin C, vitamin K – for blood and bone health – folate, and potassium. If you’ve been holding off on them due to being unsure of how to cut one, then you’ve been missing out!

How to select a pomegranate

  • Pick your fruit by weight. A good pomegranate should feel heavy for its size because the pomegranate seeds are full of water.
  • Look for a pomegranate that is bright in color – medium red to deep red. However, surface abrasions do not necessarily mean the inside fruit is bad according to the Pomegranate Growers Association.
  • Opt for a pomegranate that has a “fresh leather” appearance.

How to cut a pomegranate

Cutting a pomegranate is actually really easy! Don’t let it’s odd shape fool you.

Slice top & segment

  • First, locate the stem, and make a thin slice across the fruit, to reveal the pomegranate’s insides.
  • You’ll notice the pomegranate is divided into four to five sections by the white pulp.
  • Using the blade of the knife, carefully make an incision from the open part of the fruit following a line of pulp all the way to the bottom of the fruit. Repeat for the remaining sections.
  • Now, use your hands to pull apart the four sections.
4 image collage showing how to slice off the top and cut into segments

once cut Remove the pomegranate pulp and de-seed

  • Remove the large middle membrane.
  • Place the pomegranate in your hand, with the opened end facing your palm, and place over a bowl of water.
  • Using the back of a wooden spoon, tap the skin of the pomegranate until most of the seeds have fallen out.
  • Remove the remaining seeds by hand – if needed – making sure to toss out the pulp.
4 image collage to show how to remove the white pith and deseed the fruit

Soak in water

  • You’ll notice the pulp will float and the seeds will sink, which helps separate them easily. Then you can store the pomegranate in the bowl of water, or drain the water and use as desired for snacking or in recipes.
Pomegranate arils in a large bowl with the white pith floating to top and spoon removing them

Try these recipes with pomegranate

Frequently asked questions

How long do pomegranate seeds last in the refrigerator?

In a tightly covered container, pomegranate seeds will last five days. They can be frozen for up to three months.

How long do whole, uncut pomegranates last in the refrigerator?

They are one of your long-lasting fruits. In a plastic bag in the refrigerator, whole pomegranates will last for two months. Unrefrigerated they are good for a month in a cool, shady place.

What do you call the pomegranate seeds?

You will see pomegranate seeds called arils or arillus, which technically refers to the juicy, translucent red covering of the tiny seed that lies within.

Large bowl of pomegranate arils de-seeded

Pomegranates are one of my favorite winter fruits. I love sprinkling them on yogurt, throwing them in salads, and just eating them by the spoonful. Now that you know how to cut a pomegranate, it’s time to start using them more!

For more tutorials for how to cut fruit:

If you’ve found this cooking resource for How to Cut a Pomegranate helpful or if you’ve tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with this technique. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

How to Cut Pomegranate

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a pomegranate and de-seed it. Follow my technique to cut into segments & remove the arils
5 from 31 votes
Servings 1 serving
Course Tutorial
Calories 234
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pomegranate

Instructions

  • Holding the pomegranate firmly on a cutting board, make a ¼ inch incision across the top part of the fruit on the stem side. Remove the top portion and discard.
  • You'll notice the pomegranate is divided into four sections by the white pulp. Using the blade of the knife, carefully make an incision from the open part of the fruit following the pulp all the way to the bottom of the fruit. Repeat for the remaining sections.
  • Use your hands to pull apart the four sections and remove the large pulp in the middle.
  • Place the pomegranate in your hand and place it over a bowl with water with the seeds facing your palm. Using the back of a wooden spoon, tap the skin of the pomegranate until most of the seeds have fallen out. You’ll notice the pulp will float and the seeds will sink, which helps separate them easily.
  • Remove the remaining seeds by hand if needed, making sure to toss out the pulp.

Notes

Storage: Store any unused pomegranate seeds in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 666mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin C: 29mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Tutorial

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Comments

  1. Sooo genius and easy! Thank you for creating this little hack! Never buying over priced de-seeded pomegranates from the grocery store ever again.