How to De-seed a Pomegranate

Pomegranates are in season right now.  These delicious anti-oxidant rich fruits are great as-is, but you can also toss them in a smoothie or juice them.  De-seeding a pomegranate can be really messy and difficult.  You have to especially be careful not to get any of the juice on your clothes or anywhere else because the juice stains pretty severely.  This how-to describes a quick and easy way of getting the juicy seeds out cleanly.

The first step is to score the top of the pomegranate, be sure not to cut too deeply otherwise you will end up cutting the seeds. 

Next, pull the top off like a cap.

You’ll notice the white membrane from the top of the pomegranate dividing it into sections; cut the sides of the pomegranate along these  membranes.  Again, be careful not to cut too deeply because you don’t want to damage the seeds inside.  

Holding the pomegranate at the tops and bottom gently pry it apart along the cuts that you made.  You shouldn’t have to apply too much pressure, the pieces should come apart fairly easily.  Once open, peel away the little white skin holding the seeds in (the white parts are inedible).   

Turn the pomegranate over in your hand, seed side down, over a bowl, and tap the skin with a spoon to knock the seeds out.  This tapping motion will loosen the seeds and they should, for the most part, just fall right out.

Nom nom, enjoy!