How to Eat a Pomegranate

From hair care products to fresh juices, pomegranate seeds are used in a range of commercial products. Despite its wide use, many people still want to know how to eat a pomegranate properly. While its exterior might be tough, cutting through it usually results in seeds lost. Learn how to cut, seed and eat a pomegranate to benefit from its nutrients and great taste.

Nutrients in Pomegranate

If you enjoy the taste of pomegranate, you’ll be glad to know it is very rich in nutrients too. The seeds contain a cocktail of vitamins A, B, C and K. They are also full of antioxidants, which naturally cleanse your system of health-threatening free radicals. Pomegranate’s other nutritional accolades includes being a source of minerals copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, as well as dietary fiber for digestion.

Effect of Pomegranate on Your Health

Having a handful of pomegranate seeds regularly is good for your hair, nails and skin. It also enhances your immunity defense against common diseases, and helps reduce inflammation. Potassium and calcium builds and restores muscle and bone. Pomegranate has also been shown to support weight loss efforts because of its satiating dietary fiber and low calories.

How to Eat a Pomegranate the Right Way

Learning how to eat a pomegranate involves cutting and seeding it properly. Seeding it is done in such a way that you get as many seeds as possible to use in your favorite recipes.

Cutting Pomegranate

The method used to cut pomegranate is known as scoring. Instead of slicing right through the fruit, you make shallow cuts into its surface. You can score it lengthwise as if cutting it in half, and again sideways as if dividing it into quarters. Cuts should be deep enough to penetrate the outer layer and pull the pomegranate apart by hand. A sharp knife is recommended.

Seeding Pomegranate

Once you’ve scored the pomegranate, slice off the top. You should be able to see the seeds. Gently but firmly pull the pomegranate apart. Follow the natural sectioning laid out by the pith. Using the pith to divide the seeds into sections will prevent them from falling off.

When the seeds are divided into sections, take each section and pull on its edges as if turning it inside out. Gently scrape off the seeds into a bowl. Do the same to all sections. If there are any seed clusters left that are still surrounded by membrane, peel the membrane off slowly. Toss the membrane and skin in the compost bin and snack on pomegranate seeds.

Juicing Pomegranate Seeds

Once you know how to eat a pomegranate, you can use it to make fresh juice. Place all your collected seeds in a bag and seal it closed. Using a baking roller, crush the seeds to extract juice. Pierce a hole in the bag and squeeze out pomegranate juice into a glass or jug. Larger, heavier pomegranates make the most amount of juice.

Pomegranate seeds make a nutritious, juicy treat for in between meals. Low in carbohydrates and packed with vitamins, they provide a burst of energy among many other health benefits. Serve alone or in salads, desserts, dips and juices.