Pomegranates are precious fruits that are widely known for their health benefits. They are nutrient-dense fruits that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. But for many people, the challenge lies in getting to the juicy goodness inside. They are not the easiest fruit to cut open, and doing it the wrong way can result in a mess, leaving you with a fruit that’s difficult to clean up and eat. In this article, we’ll show you different ways to cut open a pomegranate and get those ruby-red jewels out and on your plate.
Why learn to cut open a pomegranate?
You may be wondering why you need to learn how to cut open a pomegranate in the first place. After all, why go through the hassle when you can easily buy a bottle of pomegranate juice or a pack of already-deseeded pomegranates? Furthermore, pomegranates are not the cheapest fruits in the market, and you wouldn’t want to waste precious seeds by not cutting them open properly.
The truth is, cutting open a pomegranate is easier than it seems, and knowing how to do it can save you time, money, and effort. This way, you can enjoy the juicy seeds at any time, without having to compromise quality and freshness. Besides, there’s a certain joy in cutting open a pomegranate and seeing the gleaming ruby-red seeds spill out.
The tools you’ll need to cut open a pomegranate
Before we delve into the process of cutting open a pomegranate, it’s important to know what tools you’ll need. Having the right tools can make the process easier and minimize the mess. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- A sharp, sturdy knife
- A cutting board
- A bowl of water
- A wooden spoon or a rolling pin (optional)
- A strainer (optional)
Note on the knife:
The key to successfully cutting open a pomegranate is using a sharp knife. A dull knife can make the process harder, and you’ll be more likely to damage the seeds in the process. Make sure your knife is both sharp and sturdy, so that it can cut through the tough skin and tough membrane of the pomegranate.
Method 1: Cutting the pomegranate on a cutting board
This is the most common method of cutting open a pomegranate. It involves cutting off the crown, making some cuts around the circumference, and then gently prying the fruit open to reveal the seeds.
Step 1: Cut off the crown
Start by washing the pomegranate and drying it off. Place it on a cutting board, with the stem facing up. Take your knife and cut off the crown, about a quarter-inch deep. This will expose some of the seeds inside.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, cutting board |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 2: Score the skin
Using the tip of the knife, make some shallow incisions around the circumference of the pomegranate, from the top to the bottom. Don’t cut too deep, or you’ll damage the seeds inside. The goal is to cut through the skin and membrane without piercing the seeds.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, cutting board |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 3: Break the pomegranate
Gently grab the pomegranate and pull it apart. You’ll notice that the sections will separate easily, revealing the seeds inside. If the seeds don’t come out, you can use a spoon to gently pry them out.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, cutting board, spoon (optional) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Method 2: Cutting the pomegranate underwater
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to cut open a pomegranate without making a mess, this method might work for you. It involves cutting the pomegranate open underwater, which makes it easier to separate the seeds from the membrane while minimizing the amount of juice splatters.
Step 1: Fill a bowl with water
Start by washing the pomegranate and drying it off. Take a bowl that’s large enough to fit the pomegranate, and fill it with enough water to submerge the fruit.
| Tools needed: | Bowl, water |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 2: Cut off the crown
Place the pomegranate in the water, with the stem facing up. Take your knife and cut off the crown, about a quarter-inch deep. This will expose some of the seeds inside.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, bowl of water |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 3: Score the skin
Using the tip of the knife, make some shallow incisions around the circumference of the pomegranate, from the top to the bottom. Don’t cut too deep, or you’ll damage the seeds inside. The goal is to cut through the skin and membrane without piercing the seeds.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, bowl of water |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 4: Break the pomegranate open
Gently grab the pomegranate and pull it apart, underwater. The sections will separate easily, revealing the seeds inside. You can loosen the seeds from the membrane by rubbing them with your fingers while they’re underwater.
| Tools needed: | Sharp knife, bowl of water |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Method 3: Using a wooden spoon or rolling pin
If you don’t have a knife, or if you want a more unconventional way of cutting open a pomegranate, this method might work for you. It involves using a wooden spoon or a rolling pin to hit the pomegranate and break it open.
Step 1: Wash the pomegranate
Start by washing the pomegranate, and drying it off. Make sure it’s ripe, as this will ensure that the seeds are easy to remove.
| Tools needed: | Wooden spoon or rolling pin |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 2: Hit the pomegranate
Place the pomegranate on a cutting board, with the stem facing down. Take a wooden spoon or a rolling pin and hit the pomegranate firmly, but gently, several times. The goal is to crack the skin and membrane without damaging the seeds inside.
| Tools needed: | Wooden spoon or rolling pin, cutting board |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Step 3: Separate the seeds
Gently pry the pomegranate apart and remove the seeds, either with your hands or using a spoon. If there are any remaining bits of membrane or skin, you can gently remove them by hand or with a strainer.
| Tools needed: | Wooden spoon or rolling pin, strainer (optional) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
Tips for cutting open a pomegranate
Here are some tips that can help you cut open a pomegranate successfully:
- Choose a ripe pomegranate: A ripe pomegranate will be easier to cut open and have more juicy seeds inside.
- Make shallow cuts: When scoring the pomegranate, make shallow cuts to avoid damaging the seeds inside.
- Be gentle: When pulling the pomegranate apart, be gentle to avoid squishing the seeds.
- Use a spoon: If you’re having trouble getting the seeds out, try using a spoon to gently pry them out.
- Use water: If you want to minimize the mess, cut the pomegranate underwater to avoid juice splatters.
- Wear an apron: Pomegranate juice can stain, so it’s a good idea to wear an apron while cutting it open.
Common questions and answers
- Q: How do you know if a pomegranate is ripe?
- A: A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy for its size, and the skin should be bright, shiny, and free of blemishes.
- Q: Can you eat the white part of a pomegranate?
- A: The white part of a pomegranate, also known as the bitter membrane, is edible but not as pleasant-tasting as the juicy seeds. It’s best to remove as much of it as possible before eating the fruit.
- Q: Can you freeze pomegranate seeds?
- A: Yes, you can freeze pomegranate seeds. Make sure they are dry and put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should last up to six months.
- Q: How long do pomegranate seeds last?
- A: Pomegranate seeds can last up to five days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to six months.
Conclusion
Cutting open a pomegranate can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a simple and enjoyable process. Whether you prefer to cut the fruit open on a cutting board or underwater, or even use a wooden spoon or rolling pin, getting to the juicy seeds inside has never been easier. So, next time you come across a pomegranate, don’t hesitate to slice your way to those ruby-red jewels – it’s worth it.