How to Open a Pomegranate

middleportal.com – Pomegranates are a delicious and nutritious fruit that are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. However, opening a pomegranate can be a messy and tricky task, as the juicy seeds are surrounded by a tough skin and a bitter membrane. In this article, we will show you how to open a pomegranate in three different ways, and share some tips and tricks to make it easier and cleaner.

What You Need

To open a pomegranate, you will need the following tools and materials:

A sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the pomegranate without damaging the seeds. You can use a chef’s knife, a paring knife, or a serrated knife, depending on your preference.
A cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable and safe surface for cutting the pomegranate. You can use a wooden, plastic, or glass cutting board, but make sure it is clean and dry.
A bowl of water: A bowl of water helps to separate the seeds from the membrane and the skin, and also prevents the juice from staining your hands and clothes. You can use cold or warm water, but not hot water, as it can cook the seeds and make them mushy.
A colander or a sieve: A colander or a sieve helps to drain the water from the seeds and remove any remaining bits of membrane or skin. You can use a metal or a plastic colander or sieve, but make sure it has small holes that can catch the seeds.
A paper towel or a kitchen towel: A paper towel or a kitchen towel helps to dry the seeds and remove any excess water. You can use any kind of paper towel or kitchen towel, but make sure it is clean and absorbent.

What You Do

To open a pomegranate, you can choose one of the following methods:

Method 1: Score and Break

This method involves scoring the peel of the pomegranate and breaking it open along the scored lines. This method is quick and easy, but it can be a bit messy and wasteful, as some of the seeds may burst or fall out.

To use this method, follow these steps:

Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem end of the pomegranate. This is the end that has a small crown-like protrusion. Cut about half an inch from the crown, and discard it.
Score the peel of the pomegranate by making shallow cuts through the skin and down to the fruit. You can make four to six cuts, depending on the size of the pomegranate. The cuts should be evenly spaced and run from the stem end to the opposite end. Be careful not to cut too deep, or you will damage the seeds.
Gently break open the pomegranate along the scored lines using your hands. You can also use a wooden spoon or a rubber mallet to tap the pomegranate and loosen the seeds. The pomegranate should break into sections that correspond to the cuts you made.
Carefully pull the pomegranate apart over a bowl of water. The water will catch the seeds that fall out and also help to separate them from the membrane. You can also use your fingers to pry the seeds away from the membrane and the skin. Discard the membrane and the skin, as they are bitter and inedible.
Drain the seeds using a colander or a sieve, and rinse them under running water to remove any residual membrane or skin. Transfer the seeds to a paper towel or a kitchen towel, and pat them dry. Enjoy your pomegranate seeds, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Method 2: Cut and Peel

This method involves cutting the pomegranate in half and peeling back the skin from the fruit. This method is less messy and more efficient, as it preserves most of the seeds and prevents them from bursting or falling out.

To use this method, follow these steps:

Cut the pomegranate in half using a sharp knife. You can cut it horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. Be careful not to squeeze the pomegranate, or the juice will squirt out and stain your hands and clothes.
Submerge the half of the pomegranate in a bowl of cold water. The water will prevent the juice from splashing and also help to separate the seeds from the membrane and the skin.
Gently peel back the skin from the pomegranate using your fingers. You can also use a spoon or a knife to help you, but be careful not to damage the seeds. The skin should come off easily, and the seeds should float to the surface of the water. Discard the skin, as it is bitter and inedible.
Use your fingers to rub the seeds away from the membrane. The membrane should sink to the bottom of the water, and the seeds should float to the top. Discard the membrane, as it is bitter and inedible.
Drain the seeds using a colander or a sieve, and rinse them under running water to remove any residual membrane or skin. Transfer the seeds to a paper towel or a kitchen towel, and pat them dry. Enjoy your pomegranate seeds, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Method 3: Cut and Pry

This method involves cutting a deep square around the pointy top of the pomegranate and prying the arils loose while underwater. This method is the least messy and the most fun, as it allows you to pop the top off and reveal the seeds inside.

To use this method, follow these steps:

Cut a deep square around the pointy top of the pomegranate using a sharp knife. The square should be about an inch from the edge of the pomegranate, and the cuts should go all the way through the skin and the fruit. Be careful not to cut too close to the seeds, or you will damage them.
Pop the top off the pomegranate using your fingers. You can also use a spoon or a knife to help you, but be careful not to damage the seeds. The top should come off easily, and you should see the seeds arranged in clusters inside the pomegranate. Discard the top, as it is bitter and inedible.
Cut four slits around the pomegranate using a sharp knife. The slits should be along the natural lines that divide the pomegranate into sections. The slits should go through the skin and the fruit, but not through the seeds. The slits will help you to pry the pomegranate apart and release the seeds.
Submerge the pomegranate in a bowl of cold water. The water will prevent the juice from splashing and also help to separate the seeds from the membrane and the skin.
Use your thumbs to gently pry the arils loose while underwater. The arils are the individual seeds that are surrounded by a juicy pulp. You can also use a spoon or a knife to help you, but be careful not to damage the seeds. The arils should come off easily, and the membrane and the skin should stay attached to the pomegranate. Discard the membrane and the skin, as they are bitter and inedible.
Drain the arils using a colander or a sieve, and rinse them under running water to remove any residual membrane or skin. Transfer the arils to a paper towel or a kitchen towel, and pat them dry. Enjoy your pomegranate arils, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your pomegranate opening experience even better:

Choose a ripe pomegranate: A ripe pomegranate will have a deep red color, a heavy weight, and a smooth and shiny skin. It will also make a metallic sound when you tap it with your finger. A ripe pomegranate will have more juice and flavor, and will be easier to open and eat.
Wear an apron and gloves: Pomegranate juice can stain your hands and clothes, so it is advisable to wear an apron and gloves when you open a pomegranate. You can also wear a dark-colored shirt or a shirt that you don’t mind getting stained. You can also cover your cutting board and your work surface with a paper towel or a newspaper to protect them from the juice.
Be gentle and patient: Pomegranate seeds are delicate and can burst easily, so be gentle and patient when you open a pomegranate. Don’t squeeze, crush, or stab the pomegranate, or you will lose the juice and the flavor. Don’t rush the process, or you will end up with a mess and a waste. Take your time and enjoy the experience of opening a pomegranate.
Check the water color: The water color can tell you if you are being too rough or too gentle with the pomegranate. If your water starts to turn pink or red, you are being too rough and you are breaking the seeds. If your water stays clear or slightly cloudy, you are being too gentle and you are not releasing the seeds. You want your water to have a light pink or orange color, which means you are doing it right and you are separating the seeds from the membrane and the skin.