How to Remove Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate seeds are loaded with antioxidants and make a sparkly addition to salads, cocktails, and desserts. Here are two easy ways to get out every last seed.

What You Need

• pomegranates, chef’s knife, cutting board, large bowl, large wooden spoon, large bowl filled partially with water, paper towels

Follow These Steps

1. First, you need to expose the seeds. Using a chef’s knife, halve the pomegranate across the equator.
2. Next, use your knife to make small cuts in the membrane (the white part) in each pomegranate half.
3. Method 1: Working over a bowl, take a sturdy wooden spoon and hit the back of the pomegranate half several times. The seeds will fall out into the bowl. Turn the pomegranate and continue until all the seeds are extracted.
   
   Tip: This method is quick but can be a little messy.
4. Method 2: Submerge the scored pomegranate half in a bowl of water and gently pry it apart into sections. Working in the water, gently pick out the seeds from the membrane. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the surface.
5. Discard the membrane and fish out the remaining seeds. Drain them on a paper towel and pat dry.
   
   Tip: Once they’re picked the seeds can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.