How to Cut and Remove Pomegranate Seeds

Learn a quick, mess-free way to cut and deseed a pomegranate with simple tips you can use every time. Once you master this method, you’ll save money by preparing pomegranate arils at home instead of buying the expensive prepackaged ones. Prepare them ahead and store in the refrigerator for salads, yogurt, cocktails, desserts, or snacks.

I fell in love with pomegranates the first time I picked one from my grandfather’s tree. I remember cracking it open, staining my fingers red, and eating the juicy arils as fast as I could. Over the years I refined a method that extracts those beautiful garnet seeds quickly, cleanly, and with minimal waste.

Why you’ll love this method:

• Learn how to cut a pomegranate and deseed it in minutes while minimizing messy splatters.
• Removing the arils yourself is far more economical than buying ready-to-eat pomegranate seeds.
• Prepared arils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Pomegranate arils add color, texture, and bright flavor to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, cocktails, and desserts.

Tools you’ll need

No special tools are required — just these basics:

• Cutting board — wash promptly if juice gets on it to avoid staining.
• Sharp knife — a chef’s knife or paring knife will work.
• Glass or deep mixing bowl — higher sides help contain splatters.
• Wooden spoon or sturdy serving spoon — used to tap the pomegranate and release the arils.

How to cut a pomegranate open

The key is to cut through the outer husk without slicing all the way through the arils. The skin is thin, so a shallow cut all the way around the fruit is enough.

Pro tip: Use the tip of the knife or a butter knife to help pry the sections apart if needed.

1. Trim off the crown (the top). Place the pomegranate on its side on the cutting board.
2. Insert the knife just through the outer husk and cut while rotating the fruit, making a shallow circular cut around the middle. Avoid cutting all the way through the arils.
3. Gently pry the pomegranate apart into halves or sections along the cut lines.

How to remove pomegranate seeds

The seeds, or arils, release quite easily once the fruit is opened and loosened. A few firm taps with a wooden spoon will free most of them quickly.

Pro tip: Use a large, deep bowl to catch any juice and reduce splatter.

1. Hold each half and gently break it into smaller sections without tearing the husk. This loosens the arils.
2. Hold a section cut-side down over the bowl with your fingers open. Firmly strike the back of the section with a wooden spoon, working all around the fruit to release the seeds into the bowl.
3. If a few arils remain stuck, open that area with your fingers and remove them gently.

What to do with pomegranate seeds

Fresh pomegranate arils are versatile. Use them to brighten both sweet and savory dishes. Ideas include:

• Add to salads for color and crunch, such as arugula or citrus salads.
• Top yogurt, chia pudding, or overnight oats for a burst of flavor.
• Garnish cocktails, spritzers, or sangria for a festive touch.
• Sprinkle over cheesecakes, cakes, or other desserts as a fresh garnish.
• Include on cheese boards or dessert boards for contrast and visual appeal.
• Stir into sauces like cranberry-orange for extra texture and sweetness.

Recipe notes

• A medium to large pomegranate typically yields about 1 cup of arils.
• If white pith pieces end up with the arils, add water to the bowl; the pith will float so you can skim it off, then drain the arils in a colander.
• Store arils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• If you prefer not to use your hands, there are tools made to help remove arils quickly and cleanly.

Pomegranate recipes to try

• Arugula beet salad with pomegranate
• Holiday mixed salad with pomegranate arils
• Kale and apple salad topped with arils
• Orange-pomegranate smoothie

Did you try this method? If so, please leave a review below and share your results on social media.

All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.