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Here’s how to cut a pomegranate: the right way! Open and seed a pomegranate using this genius no-mess method.

How to cut a pomegranate

Wondering how to cut a pomegranate but not sure the best way? This vibrant fruit is notorious for making a huge mess. If you don’t cut and seed it correctly, you’ll end up with what looks like bloody splatter all over your kitchen! We’ve got a genius, no-mess method for how to cut open a pomegranate and seed it…the right way. It’s perfect for making salads, smoothies, pomegranate juice, and more. Let’s get started!

How to cut a pomegranate: step by step

Step 1: Cut the pomegranate into quarters.

Use a large chef’s knife to cut open the pomegranate into quarters. A small amount of juice will come out onto the cutting board: so take care with it! (We usually rinse the cutting board right away to make sure the juice doesn’t stain it.)

How to cut open a pomegranate

Step 2: Place the quarters in a bowl of water and pull out the seeds.

Place the quarters into a large bowl of water. Under the water, start to gently pull out the seeds with your fingers. Eventually you’ll be able to turn the peel inside out to extract the seeds closest to the outer skin. The pomegranate seeds will sink to the bottom, while the white pith will float to the top! Remove any white pith that is stuck to the seed with your fingers.

How to seed a pomegranate

Step 3: Strain out the water: you’re left with the seeds!

Once you’ve extracted all of the seeds, skim off the white pith and strain out the water. Voila: beautiful, vibrant pomegranate seeds! The entire process should take about 5 minutes.

How to cut a pomegranate

How long do pomegranate seeds last?

Fresh pomegranate seeds last 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container. They are best fresh, so try to eat as soon as possible.

Pomegranate recipes

Once you’ve mastered how to cut a pomegranate, there are many pomegranate recipes to taste! Here are some favorites:

Best chef knife & cutting boards

A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen! We’ve had our chef knives for 10 plus years and they still work great. Here are some of the knives we recommend, non-slip cutting boards, and the best knife sharpener. These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook:

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How to cut a pomegranate

How to Cut a Pomegranate (The Right Way!)


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup seeds 1x

Description

Here’s how to cut a pomegranate: the right way! Open and seed a pomegranate using this genius no-mess method.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium pomegranate

Instructions

  1. Using a large chef’s knife, cut the pomegranate in quarters, taking care as a small amount of juice will come out onto the cutting board. Place the quarters into a large bowl of water.
  2. Under the water, start to gently pull out the seeds with your fingers. Eventually you’ll be able to turn the peel inside out to extract the seeds closest to the outer skin. As you work, the pomegranate seeds will sink to the bottom, while the white pith from the fruit will float to the top. Remove any white pith that is stuck to the seed with your fingers. 
  3. Once you’ve extracted all the seeds, skim off the white pith and strain out the water. Store up to 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container; they are best eaten as fresh as possible.
  • Category: Knife Skills
  • Method: Cutting
  • Cuisine: N/A

Keywords: How to cut a pomegranate, how to cut open a pomegranate, how to seed a pomegranate

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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2 Comments

  1. I have read that bamboo cutting boards will dull your knives. Those are expensive knives and I wouldn’t want to dull them on a cutting board.