How to Select, Store, Freeze and Cut Pomegranates
Enjoy pomegranates to their fullest with helpful tips on how to select, store, freeze and cut pomegranates. Pomegranate season is just in time for the holidays – perfect for adding a special finishing touch to endless recipes.
Try These Recipes: Pomegranate and Whole Grain Salad, Chicken and Butternut Sheet Pan Dinner, Pear and Pomegranate Salad
What’s the Difference between Pomegranate Seeds and Pomegranate Arils?
Pomegranate seeds are also called arils. Technically the seeds are just the crunchy bits inside the arils. The arils are the entire jewel including the seed, pulp and juice.
Eat the whole aril – the fruity juicy bit and the seed for maximum health benefit. The seeds themselves contain fibre, some antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium.
Fun Fact: There are about 600 arils in each pomegranate!
How to Select the Best Pomegranates
To get the best pomegranates look for ones that…
- are heavy for their size
- have smooth, firm skin without brown or soft spots
- have brightly coloured skin which can be different shades depending on variety
- have slightly square shaped sides (immature pomegranates are round, ripe pomegranates have flat sides)
Fun Fact: There isn’t just one variety of pomegranate – there are hundreds! Pomegranates come in different colours and sizes. Think shades of green, yellow, pink, red and even purple! Underneath that tough, leathery pomegranate skin you’ll find the arils, which come in different colours too!
Video: How to Pick the Juiciest Pomegranates
When are Pomegranates in Season
Pomegranates are native to the Middle East and prefer a hot, dry climate. Today, they’re grown in the warm, dry regions of South and North America as well. North American pomegranates are in season Fall to Early Winter.
PRO TIP – If you can’t find fresh, affordable pomegranates in the produce aisle, check the freezer section in large supermarkets or in shops specializing in Middle Eastern food. Frozen pomegranates can be used in most recipes, they retain their shape and texture very well.
How to Store Pomegranates
Whole Fresh Pomegranates will keep for 1-2 weeks on the counter or 1-2 months in the fridge. Pomegranates do not like moisture, so don’t wrap them in plastic. Keep them loose in the low humidity drawer of your fridge.
Cut Pomegranates will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge in a covered container – but it’s better if you remove all the seeds and store them.
Pomegranate Seeds or Arils store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you have too many pomegranate arils – freeze them as shown below. They thaw very quickly and can be used just like fresh arils.
Video: How to Store Pomegranates
How to Open or Cut Pomegranates
There are many ways to open or cut pomegranates and I’ve tried many of them! Now adays, I stick to the basics as described below. It’s easy and effective. Just remember pomegranate juice stains, so don’t wear white!
Here’s how I like to open pomegranates:
- Use a sharp knife to make four to five cuts around the top of the pomegranate near the edge. Cut through the skin only, avoid cutting into the seeds. (A lot like cutting a lid off a pumpkin when making a Jack ‘O Lantern).
- Lift the top off of the pomegranate where you made the cuts.
- Look for the white pith lines that show where the pomegranate is naturally separated into sections. Use those lines to show where to cut the skin on the outside of the pomegranate. Try to avoid cutting into the seeds and only cut 3/4 of the way down, you don’t need to go all the way to the very bottom.
- Pry open the pomegranate where you made the cuts.
- Remove the white membranes from the centre and break the pomegranate apart into segments.
- Take one section at a time and over a large deep bowl, use your finger and thumb to rub the arils and separate them from the white parts and peels. Repeat with other segments until you’ve harvested all the arils.
- Voila – that’s it!
Pro Tip If you slice a pomegranate in half or in sections, you’ll cut through the seeds and cause massive bleeding – that juice will be everywhere! Avoid cutting the seeds and you’ll greatly reduce the mess and the need for a bowl of water!
What About Spanking Pomegranates with a Wooden Spoon?
I have spanked my share of pomegranates, but it doesn’t get all the seeds and I end up using my fingers anyway. So now, I just get right to it.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Bowl of Water When Opening Pomegranates?
If you cut through the centre of a pomegranate or slice into segments, you’ll have sticky pomegranate juice everywhere – a bowl of water will help control the sticky juicy mess.
Using a bowl of water catches the arils which sink to the bottom. The white pith floats to the top, so it’s easy to scoop out. However, some of the white parts are stubborn and will hang on to the seeds, so some separating is still needed.
If you use a bowl of water and want to freeze the pomegranates you’ll have to pat them dry after draining to avoid ice crystals.
How to Open a Pomegranate
Ingredients
- pomegranate
Instructions
- Make four to five cuts around the top of the pomegranate near the edge. Cut through the skin only, avoid cutting into the seeds. (A lot like cutting a lid off a pumpkin when making a Jack 'O Lantern).
- Lift the top off of the pomegranate where you made the cuts to expose the arils and pith.
- Look for the white pith lines that show where the pomegranate is naturally separated into sections. Use those lines as an indicator where to cut the skin on the outside of the pomegranate from the top to 3/4 of the way down, you don't need to go to the very bottom. Try to avoid cutting into the seeds. Make 4-6 cuts.
- Pry open the pomegranate where you made the cuts to break into segments. Remove any of the white pith that you can do so easily.
- Take one section at a time and over a deep bowl, use your finger and thumb to rub the arils off the white parts. Repeat with other segments until you've harvested all the arils.
- Remove any remaining white bits and enjoy your pomegranate arils.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
How to Freeze Pomegranates
Pomegranate arils freeze and thaw beautifully. You can use them right out of the freezer just like you would fresh pomegranates. So, go ahead and de-seed several pomegranates at once and freeze the extras. You’ll only have one mess with plenty of pomegranates to last throughout an entire season.
To freeze:
- Remove arils as shown below. If you use water in the process, drain and pat dry seeds.
- Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet with sides in a single layer.
- Place in freezer for an hour or until frozen.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and return to freezer.
- Use within 3-6 months for best results, although they will be safe to use for much longer.
Video: Quick Way to Freeze Pomegranates
Can You Make Pomegranate Juice at Home?
Yes, you can! Grab a few pomegranates to make it worthwhile because one pomegranate makes about a quarter to half a cup of juice.
1 large pomegranate = 1/4 to 1/2 cup juice
Here are several ways to separate the juicy bits from the seeds and make juice:
- Remove seeds from pomegranate and press them in a sieve or food mill over a bowl to collect juice.
- Place seeds in food processor or blender until liquified, then strain them. (see note)
- Cut pomegranates in half and use a juice press to press out juice. (commonly used by street vendors)
- Use a juicer.
- Remove seeds from pomegranate and place them in a steam juicer. (see note)
Take Note:
- pomegranate juice will stain everything
- pomegranate rinds contain tannins that can make juice taste bitter, so do not process the rind
- when pulverized in a food processor or blender, the crushed seeds can make juice cloudy
My Favourite Pomegranate Recipes
For festive treats, sprinkle pomegranate arils over salads, whole grains, entrées, breakfast foods (waffles, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal), ice cream, pudding, cakes, desserts or beverages like wine, cocktails or sparkling water.
Need some examples? Click on a photo below to go to the recipe.
Ready to go enjoy some pomegranates? Let me know how you end up using your pomegranates in the comments below or on Instagram @GetGettyS or on Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist. Tag me, I’d love to see and like your photos.
Can you use pomegranates to make a fruit vinegar?
Hi Mari, Yes, you can use pomegranate seeds to infuse vinegar. Great idea! Follow the process shown here: https://www.gettystewart.com/gifts-from-the-kitchen-infused-vinegar/ I would bruise the pomegranate arils a little before covering in vinegar. I would use white wine, rice or champagne vinegar. You could also add rosemary for something special. Since you have a lot – consider making this a gift for others!
I would love more ideas and recipes for pomegranate (instant pot ?) i have a small tree in my backyard and get more than enough fruit for the 2 of us and some to share. I have made molasses but as newly diagnosed with prediabetes will have to forgo that treat. Love them as garnishes on chicken and in salads and my grandchildren love to arrange them on to peanut butter or cream cheese topped snacks.
Thanks so much for tips on storing and getting those seeds out used that info last harvest made difference and i still have a few bags in freezer 😀
Use them in yogurt parfaits for breakfast or snack time – yogurt, granola and pomegranates. Use them in a beverage – add soda water to cranberry juice and garnish with pomegranates. If you’re really ambitious, juice your pomegranates (crush them in a blender and strain) then mix with orange juice or apple juice to make a jelly – not ideal for diabetes, but an option. I love them fresh best, so I don’t have any hot instant pot type recipes. Enjoy.
I will be freezing these pomegranate arils from now on…they are such beautiful garnishes for many dishes, especially around the holiday. Thank you for the new way to open them, I’ll be trying that. While I don’t make juice from the whole fruit I do buy pomegranate juice occasionally to make pomegranate molasses. Delicious in many cooking recipes or drizzled on tahini toast. I learned this on a trip to Turkey. Delish!
I have not tried making pomegranate molasses – maybe this winter! Glad you found the info helpful.