I get super excited when I see pomegranates show up at the farmer’s market (I got a little too excited- because I bought one yesterday and it was a little too early…please excuse the sad looking pomegranate in these pictures!!)
I LOVE using pomegranate for all kinds of things in the Fall months- salad dressing, parfait toppers, pancake syrup, marinade…or just a great, healthy snack- but the idea of cleaning a pomegranate can be a little intimidating. All of those great juicy seeds are protected by thick, maze like grooves- and trying to detach the seeds from their protectors can be quite the difficult and MESSY task.
A few years ago, I learned a great, easy and mess-free way to clean one of these nutrient rich- antioxidant packed gems. (I don’t remember where I learned this…maybe Martha Stewart??)
So, here is a step-by-step “How to clean a pomegranate” guide. Please excuse the ugly pictures!
1- Gather the tools you will need: A sharp knife, a bowl, a strong spoon, a cutting board, and your pomegranate.
2- Cut the pomegranate in half, horizontally.
3- Hold one side of the pomegranate, cut side down in the palm of your hand and then rotate your hand so that your palm, and the cut side of your pomegranate are facing the bowl.
4- Grab the spoon with your other hand and firmly hit the pomegranate with it…over and over as the seeds start to fall out….continue until all of the seed are in your bowl.
5- Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other side.
6- Enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally!
