How to Seed a Pomegranate Mess-Free, in Pictures

Cut Off the Blossom and Stem Ends

Take a shallow slice off of the stem end (bottom) of the pomegranate. Then cut out a cone-shaped piece around the blossom. Aim to remove as much of pomegranate flesh without piercing any seeds.

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Score the Skin

Score the skin along each bulbous ridge of the fruit. Avoid cutting into the seeds. This will make breaking open the fruit easier in order to access the seeds, and is less damaging than if you simply quartered the fruit.

Photo: Andrew Armenante

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Scored Pomegranate

Make sure to extend the scoring into the hollowed out flesh (perhaps slightly more than pictured).

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Break Open the Pomegranate

Fill a large bowl with warm water. Submerge the pomegranate in the water bath (this will contain juice splatter should any seeds rupture), and gently crack it open along the score lines, pulling each section of flesh outward. If this step proves troublesome, extend the score lines further into the flesh and try again.

Photo: Andrew Armenante

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Tease Out the Seeds

Gently but firmly tease the seeds away from the membrane and pomegranate flesh underwater. The membrane bits and damaged seeds will float to the top, while the denser whole seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl.

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Skim Off the Membrane

Remove the membrane and any damaged floating seeds using a skimmer or slotted spoon.

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Dry Off the Seeds and Enjoy!

Remove any remaining damaged seeds (they'll appear cloudy and mushy to the touch) and spread the seeds out on a layer of paper towels to dry. Enjoy them in Fall salads, as a cocktail garnish, atop yogurt, or as is for a refreshing snack.

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