Do you Find Pomegranates Intimidating?

One thing that I love about Autumn is........pomegranates!  Pomegranates are one of my favorite fruits to eat, and for good reason.  When you cut through the leathery skin to expose the inside, you will find it bursting with dozens of the reddest, little seeds you will ever lay your eyes on. Not only are the seeds delicious to eat, they are also high in vitamin C, numerous B vitamins, and antioxidants.

The first time I bought a pomegranate years ago, I was quite intimidated by this little apple shaped fruit on my counter.  Fear not, I learned that one just has to be patient with the process.  Once you cut through the skin and expose the seeds, the trick is to remove the seeds with as little of mess as possible. 

Here are  steps I follow in the removal of the seeds:

1. Use a cutting board when cutting the fruit. Juices from the fruit can stain clothes and counter tops!
2. Fill a bowl with clean water.  You will use this during the removal of the seeds.
3. Cut the fruit into 4 pieces for easier handling.
4. For each quarter, hold it over the water bowl and begin slowly pushing the seeds out from the fruit.  The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl.  Don't worry if the white membrane falls into the water. 
5. Repeat until all seeds are removed from the fruit. 
6. Once all the seeds have been removed, you will notice the white membrane is floating on top of the water.  Skim off any membrane or white part of the fruit from the water.
7. Strain the seeds.
8.  Enjoy!

This is the tried and true technique to opening a pomegranate.  I heard that freezing it also always from easy removal of the seeds.  I may have to try that sometime.

Pomegranate seeds can be eaten alone, added to a salad for a burst of color and flavor, or mixed into your morning yogurt.  Drying them is also an option.  I bet they would be quite delicious mixed into a trail mix or added to you favorite granola bar recipe. 

Any way you choose to eat them, pomegranates provide a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the Autumn season.