Pomegranates are an amazing fruit full of nutrients and a great source of vitamin C. They also contain a good amount of potassium and folate.
But before you eat a pomegranate, you need to know how to do it properly. Here are some tips from Everyday Health staff nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RDN.
Choosing a Pomegranate
Pomegranates are an autumn fruit that can be bought in store or from a farmer’s market. They are known for their juicy, glistening ruby-red seeds called arils. They are tart, sweet, and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They are also easy to prepare and add a burst of color to any dish.
The first step in preparing a pomegranate is to choose the right one based on its season, color, skin quality, size, and weight. This will ensure that you get the ripest and most delicious pomegranate possible.
For a pomegranate that is in peak condition, you should look for a deep red color, firm skin, and an oblong shape — not round. The oblong shape is important because it helps prevent the pomegranate from splitting or bursting during transport.
Another important factor to consider is the pomegranate’s size, as a large fruit can be more difficult to open than a smaller one. You’ll need to score the pomegranate into sixths or quarters along its ridges to open it up easily and remove the seeds.
Once you’ve scored the pomegranate, peel away its rind to expose the flesh beneath. This part of the pomegranate contains the seeds, which you can easily remove by submerging it in a bowl of water. The membrane covering the seeds will break free, releasing the juicy arils into the water. You can eat them straight out of the bowl or store them for later use.
After you’ve opened the pomegranate, you can use its seeds to make an array of sweet and savory dishes. For example, a pomegranate and cranberry bellini is delicious, or you can stir some pomegranate seeds into yogurt or sprinkle them over ice cream. You can also try a pomegranate salad with cucumbers, spinach, and carrots for a quick meal or side.
Cutting the Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a delicious treat during the fall and winter months. They are also an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and iron. They are easy to find in grocery stores and are delicious on their own or as an ingredient in many recipes.
When selecting a pomegranate, make sure it is plump and firm without any cracks or bruises on the skin. It should weigh about 50% of its weight and have a shiny, smooth skin.
You should also be able to feel the ridges along the sides of the pomegranate. These ridges will help you cut the fruit easily and safely.
To start, you need to score the pomegranate’s skin from top to bottom, using the ridges as a guide. Do not cut through the pomegranate’s skin; this will disrupt the seeds, called arils.
Then, gently peel and divide the pomegranate into 4 sections. You can use your thumbs to pull each segment apart, exposing the seeds inside.
Once you’ve cut the pomegranate into 4 segments, it’s time to remove the seeds. You can do this by submerging the segments in a bowl of water, or by placing them on a cutting board and removing them with your fingers.
This method will help you avoid pomegranate juice stains on your counter and cutting board, and it’s a great way to get the most out of a pomegranate! Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after using this technique.
After removing the seeds from your pomegranate, you can enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads and other dishes. You can also freeze them for long-term storage!
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that improve your overall health. They can also help prevent cancer, heart disease, and promote weight loss. They can also improve memory, digestion, blood pressure, and sugar levels.
Adding this juice to your diet is a great way to reap all of these benefits, and it’s easy to make. It’s a delicious and healthy way to boost your immune system, detoxify your body, and keep your energy levels high.
There are a few ways you can prepare this juice, but the most popular method is to blend the pulps and seeds in a blender. This will give you a tasty, healthy drink that tastes like pomegranate juice. However, you should be aware that this process can cause the pomegranate seeds to become bitter.
To avoid this, you should only blend the pomegranate seeds for a couple of seconds. This will ensure that the seeds do not burst and produce a bitter taste.
You should use a strainer to filter the pomegranate juice before drinking it. This will also help you get more of the juice out of the seeds.
Once the juice is strained, you can use it as a base for drinks and desserts. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, and potassium.
If you don’t want to spend the time removing the seeds, you can simply purchase pre-made pomegranate juice from the store. This will save you a lot of work.
While you can find a wide range of pomegranate juice in stores, it is important to be sure that it contains pure pomegranate juice. Some companies may add other sweeteners or flavors to their juices, which can negate some of the health benefits.
Pomegranate Seeds
A pomegranate is a fruit with a sweet, red exterior and juicy white seeds inside. The seeds comprise about half the weight of the whole fruit, and they contain many health benefits that may be overlooked if you discard them.
Pomegranate seeds can be a nutritious and delicious addition to a variety of foods, from salads to desserts. They are low in calories and offer a wealth of essential nutrients, including potassium, folate and fiber.
They also contain antioxidants and a high amount of vitamin K, which helps your body fight disease. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help prevent constipation and keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.
You can eat the seeds alone, or you can add them to other ingredients to create new flavors and textures. You can even use them as a garnish to give any dish an extra dose of color and texture!
If you’re ready to try a pomegranate, select a plump, ripe fruit that’s heavy for its size. It should be free from blemishes and scratches and have a firm, glossy skin.
Cut the pomegranate in half, and peel off the white membrane that surrounds each section of seeds. You can also use a paring knife to gently slice through each section. Once the white membrane is removed, hold each section in your hand and carefully pull out the individual seeds.
Depending on the ripeness of your pomegranate, this process may take a few tries to achieve complete seed removal. If you’re unable to remove all of the seeds, simply repeat the process.
Once all of the seeds are gone, you can rinse out the fruit in a bowl of water or place the entire pomegranate into a strainer to catch all of the juices. You can even freeze leftover pomegranate seeds to enjoy later.