Wrangling with a Pomegranate:
The Quick & Easy Way to Remove the Seeds

When my sister and I were girls, our mother went to great trouble to get pomegranates for the toes of our Christmas stockings, continuing the tradition from her own girlhood. There was no 'cooking' with pomegranates then, we'd break off a piece and just suck on the seeds, one by one. Nowadays, pomegranates are so common, it's easy to forget what a treat they once were.

Botanically speaking, the 'seeds' inside a pomegranate aren't seeds at all, they're called arils. But whatever they're called, getting them out can be confounding. But once you learn this quick trick, it's easy-easy-easy.

How We Get ...

It's Easy!

If you haven't yet, cut the pomegranate in half, any which way, no problem. Then break the halves into two or three sections.

Fill a container 2/3 full of water. For these photos, I used a clear four-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Something bigger would be better since you'll be working right inside the container. The bigger your mugs (your hands!), the bigger the container should be.

Working Under the Water,
Turn the Pomegranate Inside Out

Drop a section into the water, then, with your hands, turn the pomegranate inside out. Many of the seeds will fall right out and drop to the bottom, the rest you'll have to gently work out with your fingers.

The Seeds Drop Straight to the Bottom

It's magic! The seeds drop right to the bottom.

Clean Out the Gunk

Once all the seeds are out, clean out the extra bits of membrane and throw these away. Most will be floating on top, a few small bits will be tucked into the seeds.

Now Drain

Now, just let the seeds drain. That's all there is to it!

That's It!