Pomegranate Seeds, Without the Mess

I remember eating with my granddaddy as a little girl, with my fingers turning a bright ruby red. In addition to many healthy benefits, pomegranates are a “fun food” that taste good too. But maybe you’re not sure how to peel and get the arils (seeds) out to use?

I find the quickest way is to simply slice and break it apart. With a piece in a bowl of water, use your fingers to loosen the seeds. As you do that, the seeds sink while the white pith floats to the top so you can easily remove. Scoop out arils, drain on a paper towel, and in about one minute, you’re all done! And your fingers won’t be stained either. Enjoy while they last: fresh pomegranates are traditionally only available from late summer to early winter.

A few fun ways to use pomegranate:

• On this Winter Citrus Salad 
• In holiday beverages (including champagne, cocktails, tea and lemonade)
• Scattered over cheese spreads
• As an ice cream topping
• On oatmeal or yogurt
• On roasted vegetables