There are a couple of effective methods for opening a pomegranate and extracting its seeds (arils). One popular technique involves scoring and using water. Another involves cutting and impacting.
Method 1: Scoring and Water Immersion
- Score the Pomegranate: Lightly score the pomegranate skin into sections using a knife. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the seeds. Usually, 4-6 scores are sufficient.
- Immerse in Water: Fill a large bowl with water. Submerge the scored pomegranate in the water.
- Break Apart: While submerged, gently break the pomegranate apart into its scored sections. The water helps to loosen the seeds and keeps them from squirting.
- Separate Seeds: Gently roll the seeds out of the skin and membrane with your fingers while still underwater. The seeds will sink, and the membrane will float.
- Skim and Drain: Skim off any remaining membrane. Drain the water, leaving the seeds behind.
Method 2: Cutting and Impacting
- Cut the Pomegranate: Slice off the crown (the flower end) of the pomegranate.
- Score the Pomegranate: Lightly score the pomegranate skin from the crown to the bottom into sections using a knife. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the seeds. Usually, 4-6 scores are sufficient.
- Break Apart: Gently break the pomegranate apart into its scored sections.
- Impact the Peel: Hold one section of the pomegranate, seed-side down, over a bowl. Sharply hit the back of the peel with a large spoon. The seeds should dislodge and fall into the bowl.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with each section until all the seeds are removed.
Both methods effectively release the juicy seeds from the pomegranate, making them ready to enjoy. The water method is often preferred as it helps minimize mess.
