Whether you want to enjoy a delicious, fruity drink, or simply want to add a healthy, antioxidant-rich fruit to your diet, you’ll need to know how to cut a pomegranate. Luckily, with a few basic tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to cut your pomegranate easily and quickly.
Peeling
Getting rid of a pomegranate’s rind and seeds is an easy task. All you need are a few simple steps, and you’re done.
You can peel a pomegranate in two different ways. The first method involves working around the fruit. You can also cut the fruit straight down the middle. The latter method is less messy and more efficient.
To remove the rind from a pomegranate, you can use a spoon or a spatula. The white membrane on the outside of the fruit floats in the water, and scrapes off easily. You can also skim the membrane off before you drain the pomegranate’s seeds.
The other method involves using a sharp paring knife to score the pomegranate. This will give you a lot more control over the process. Leaving the pomegranate in the water will soften the rind, making it easier to peel.
For the best results, select a bright, red pomegranate. The crown of the fruit should have inward-pointing petals. You’ll also want to make sure it’s heavy. This is a good sign that the fruit is ready for harvest.
You’ll need a medium-sized bowl for your pomegranate. Hold it over the bowl and tap with a sturdy spatula. Ideally, the pomegranate should fill your hand.
Using a paring knife
Using a paring knife to cut a pomegranate is fairly straightforward. You will need a knife with a blade length of two and a half to four inches. You will also need a large bowl to hold the pomegranate’s seeds.
The best tool for this task is a paring knife with a serrated edge. It will help you to make the necessary cuts to remove the membrane. You will need a sturdy cutting board. It should be covered with mineral oil so that the juices will not leak through. If you do not have a wooden cutting board, you can use a paper or kitchen towel as an alternative.
The first thing you will need to do is to separate the fruit into segments. The segments will have as many seedy sections as there are ribs. Each segment is separated by a white pith that will float to the top of the bowl.
Next, you will need to score the pomegranate. This will help you to break the segments into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to remove the seeds. You will need to make at least six cuts on a standard pomegranate. You will want to cut along the curved side of the fruit, as well as the vein. You can also score the fruit in a crosshatch pattern.
After you have made all of the cuts, you will want to place the pomegranate in a large bowl of water. The water will soften the path to the seeds. You can then use a spoon to push the seeds out.
Separating the arils from the white, inedible pith
Taking out the arils of a pomegranate is an easy way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of the fruit. They are rich in fiber, potassium and vitamin C. They can be used to make juice, oatmeal, yogurt and baked goods.
Before taking out the arils, you must first break the pomegranate in half. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut the rind. Place the fruit over a bowl and score the rind. Then, using a spoon, gently pry apart the seeds.
Once you have broken the pomegranate, it is time to separate the arils from the white, inedible pith. You can do this by hand, or by using a strainer. Once you have separated the arils from the pith, you can either transfer them to an airtight container or freeze them. They should be stored for at least five days.
When you’re ready to eat the pomegranate, break it into quarters. The best pomegranates are heavy and brightly colored. Typically, a pomegranate is three to four inches in diameter. The weight of the fruit indicates how juicily it is.
After separating the arils from the pith, you’re left with a pomegranate that is almost empty of seeds. The fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month or two. You can also freeze the pomegranate for about two hours.
You can also freeze the arils for a longer period of time. You can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a year. They can be added to oatmeal, yogurt or a salad. They also add a touch of sweetness to baked goods.
Storing the seeds
Besides being delicious, pomegranates are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, potassium and folate. They are also believed to help with heart health and possibly lower blood pressure. They can be preserved or eaten fresh.
The shelf life of pomegranates varies, but they should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should not be stored in a crisper drawer because they tend to deteriorate quicker. They should also not be stored in direct sunlight. If you store your pomegranate for a long period of time, you may want to place it in the freezer.
When storing pomegranates, it’s best to remove the seeds. You can do this by wacking the fruit gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then, remove the membranes, which are white. If you can’t remove the seeds with your hands, you can use a strainer to get them out. You can also discard them if they’re brown or black.
The best way to store pomegranate seeds is to freeze them. This will keep them crispy and allow them to be eaten for a longer period of time. But be warned: they lose their crunchy texture after thawing. You can also store them for a week or so in the refrigerator.
You can freeze whole pomegranates as well. You can freeze the pomegranate juice for use in various recipes. You can also freeze the pulp for use in making a syrup.