How to Eat a Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds (called arils) are what you actually eat, the white pith around them is bitter and not meant to be chewed. The trick to eating a pomegranate cleanly is scoring the rind instead of hacking through it, then breaking the fruit apart underwater so the juice stays contained instead of spraying across the counter.
Steps
- 1Cut off the crown (the little stem end) with a paring knife, just enough to expose the white pith underneath.
- 2Score the rind lightly in 4-6 sections from top to bottom, cutting only through the skin and not into the arils.
- 3Fill a large bowl with cool water.
- 4Break the pomegranate into sections along the scored lines while holding it underwater.
- 5Use your thumbs to pry the arils loose from the pith while still submerged; they'll sink to the bottom and the pith will float.
- 6Skim off the floating white pith and rind pieces, then drain the arils through a colander or strainer.
- 7Eat the arils by the handful, or scatter them over salads, yogurt, or grain bowls.
Common mistakes
- Cutting through the whole fruit like an apple: this slices into the arils and releases juice everywhere instead of keeping it contained.
- Breaking the pomegranate apart on a dry cutting board: without water to catch the splatter, juice stains countertops, clothes, and cutting boards almost instantly.
- Eating the white pith along with the seeds: it's astringent and bitter, and separating it underwater is what makes the whole process fast.
Equipment
- Paring knife
- Large bowl
- Colander or fine-mesh strainer
FAQ
Can you eat pomegranate seeds whole, including the crunchy center?
Yes, the small crunchy core inside each aril is edible and is where most of the fiber is; only the surrounding white pith and outer rind are inedible.
How do you keep pomegranate juice from staining your hands?
Working underwater keeps juice from splattering, but if hands do get stained, rubbing them with a little oil before washing helps lift the color faster than soap alone.
How long do pomegranate arils keep once removed?
Refrigerated in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 5 days; they also freeze well for up to 3 months and can be tossed into smoothies straight from frozen.
How do you pick a ripe pomegranate at the store?
Choose one that feels heavy for its size with a rind that looks slightly angular or flattened rather than perfectly round; heaviness indicates juicier arils.
Need exact temperatures or timing? Check our Time & Temperature Guide →