How to Cut and Clean a Pomegranate

bowl of arils removed from a pomegranate

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How to Cut and Clean a Pomegranate

Learning how to cut and clean a pomegranate is easier than you might think and can save money compared with buying packaged arils. This simple water method helps separate the juicy arils from the membrane with less mess and makes cleanup easy. In about 15 minutes, you can have fresh pomegranate arils ready for snacking, salads, desserts, or holiday recipes.

Keyword easy, fresh fruit, fruit preparation, no-cook, pomegranate, quick, water method

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 78kcal

Author Laura

Equipment

Glass Bowls

Ingredients

1 pomegranate

Instructions

Cut off the crown. Slice off the top, spiky end of the pomegranate so you can see the natural sections inside.
Find the section lines. Look for the pale lines or ridges that separate the fruit into sections, similar to the segments of an orange.
Score the outside. Use a sharp knife to lightly cut through the skin along each section line. Try not to cut too deeply into the arils.
Pull the pomegranate apart. Gently separate the fruit into sections using your hands.
Place the sections in water. Fill a large bowl with water and place the pomegranate sections in the bowl.
Remove the arils underwater. Working with one section at a time, use your fingers to loosen the arils from the membrane while keeping the fruit under the water.
Remove the membrane. Most of the arils will sink while the lighter membrane floats. Scoop the membrane and other unwanted pieces from the top of the water.
Drain and dry. Pour the arils into a strainer, rinse if needed, and pat them dry before serving or storing. One pomegranate will yield about 1 1/2 cups of arils.

Nutrition