The Not-So-Elusive Pomegranate

I start my dive into Winter produce with the pomegranate.  Granted, this is the easiest fruit to conquer, but it was also the only one I could find in the store this week.  I like to eat the seeds as is, but they also are great on salads, cooked down for sauces, and added to smoothies.

A few years ago, no one even talked about the pomegranate, but with its healthy benefits, pomegranate products are popping up everywhere.  To enjoy this winter fruit without spending a fortune, I suggest buying the whole fruit.  I think the reason most people buy pomegranate products and not the fruit itself is that they do not know how to eat it or open it!  Well, after this post you will no longer have that excuse!  Here is a step by step look at how to open a pomegranate:

First, you need three things: 1) the pomegranate, 2) A bowl filled with water, & 3) A knife and cutting board.

Cut off the top and bottom of the pomegranate.  Cut enough to reveal the white pith and not to cut into the seeds.  Next "score" the pomegranate's skin, cutting from the top to the bottom as shown below. 

Once you have scored the pomegranate, put the whole pomegranate into the bowl of water and gently open the pomegranate along your cuts.  Doing this under water prevents any juices from spraying on your clothes and staining them.  After you open the pomegranate, proceed to removing the white pith from the seeds. 

I throw away the outside skin as I go, but as you can see below, the pith floats to the top while the seeds fall to the bottom of the bowl.  From here you can scoop off the pith, then drain the water.

You are left with juicy pearls of pomegranate goodness.  I transferred the seeds to a Tupperware container.  I would suggest eating them within 3-4 days, so if you aren't ready to eat your pomegranate, simply wait tocut it.

Sure, you can buy the seeds out of the skin, but at Trader Joe's they cost double for half the amount of seeds! With just a little time and effort, you can enjoy this winter fruit for far less.