What to Do with Pomegranates and How to Use Them in Cooking

Wondering what to do with pomegranates? This comprehensive guide teaches you how to use pomegranates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Explore health benefits, tips for selection, preparation, and storage, and simple ways to enjoy this super-juicy superfood.

Pomegranates are a fascinating, ancient fruit.

Their vibrant color and delicious flavor make them a favorite among foodies, myself included! But what’s even more impressive is how good pomegranates are for you and all the fun stuff you can do with them in the kitchen!

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at pomegranates, from their nutritional perks to practical tips for picking, preparing, and serving.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What are Pomegranates?

Pomegranates are round fruits, about the size of an apple, with inedible bark-like skin.

When you cut one open, you’ll find hundreds of succulent seeds called arils surrounded by juicy, pinkish flesh. The parts eaten are the sweet and tangy juice, pulp, and seeds.

There are several varieties of pomegranates, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.

Some popular varieties include the sweet and juicy ‘Wonderful’ and the tart and tangy ‘Hicaz ‘.

Look for fresh pomegranates at your local grocery store or farmer’s market during the pomegranate season, which is September to February in the Northern Hemisphere and March to May in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why Add Them to Your Shopping List?

Here are the top five reasons you’ll want to toss a pomegranate or two in your cart:

Delicious taste: Pomegranates offer a mouthwatering mix of sweet and tart flavors, ranging from very sweet to slightly sour, depending on ripeness and variety.
Nutrient-rich: Pomegranates contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
High fiber content: Don’t toss out those juicy, crunchy seeds – they’re an excellent source of fiber.
Versatility: The fresh seeds and pulp can be enjoyed independently or added to salads, dressings, desserts, drinks, main courses, and more!
Sustainability: It’s also worth noting that pomegranates are often grown without the use of pesticides and can be stored for long periods without losing their nutritional value.

Selection

Before deciding what to do with pomegranates, follow these tips to ensure you pick the best ones:

Appearance: Choose vibrant red to reddish-brown fruits with firm, smooth skin and no blemishes or soft spots.
Weight: Hold the pomegranate in your hand and assess its weight. Heavier fruits typically indicate juiciness and ripeness.
Sound: Gently tap the pomegranate with your knuckles. A ripe pomegranate will make a metallic sound, while an unripe one will sound hollow inside.

Storage

Once you’ve selected your pomegranates, follow these storage tips to prolong their shelf life until you’re ready to use them:

Refrigeration: Do not wash the fruits before storing them, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. Simply place your whole pomegranates in the crisper drawer until you can use them.
Extended storage: If you won’t be using the pomegranates right away, you can remove the seeds and freeze them for later. Simply spread the seeds out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen seeds to an airtight container or freezer bags and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

Preparation

With these simple steps, opening and extracting the pomegranate arils (seeds) is simple and relatively mess-free – though it’s also a good idea to wear an apron and protect your countertop from potential stains:

Cut off the crown (the top) with a sharp knife, just deep enough to expose the seeds.
Score the skin, making 4-6 shallow cuts from top to bottom, being careful not to cut all the way through.
To extract the seeds, break the pomegranate apart along the scored lines and submerge the pieces in a large bowl of cool water, using your fingers to remove the seeds from the flesh. Or, hold the pomegranate half, seed side down, and tap the seeds into the bowl with a wooden spoon.
Rinse the seeds under cold water or strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining bits of pulp. Enjoy!

What to Do with Pomegranate Seeds

If you’re wondering what to do with pomegranate arils besides popping them in your mouth as a succulent snack, here are my favorite ways to incorporate them into culinary creations, both sweet and savory:

Beverages

Stir the juicy seeds into sparkling water, lemonade, and other refreshing drinks like cucumber water, cranberry cocktail, and Christmas punch for a hint of sweetness.

Or, try jazzing up hot beverages like apple cider or ginger tea with pomegranate seeds. You can also use them as a festive garnish for cocktails like martinis, margaritas, and mulled wines.

Breakfast

Sprinkle the seeds over your favorite sweet breakfast bowls, like this Quinoa Fruit Bowl or this Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl. You can also stir the seeds into your morning oatmeal to add a touch of sweetness without sugar.

Dips

Fresh pomegranate seeds can also be added as a garnish to dips such as this Creamy Baba Ganoush and this Roasted Eggplant Dip.

Salads

Add pomegranate seeds to your favorite fruit salads like my Fall and Winter Fruit Salad. Or, sprinkle the seeds over your favorite savory green salads for a pop of sweetness.

I love tossing them into these recipes:

Main dishes

Consider adding pomegranate seeds to savory main courses. The burst of juicy flavor pairs well with various delicious dishes, including couscous, quinoa salad (like this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Beans), grain bowls, and roasted vegetable platters.

Desserts

Garnish delicious desserts like baked fruit, yogurt parfaits, ice cream, fruit tarts, or my Pear Cranberry Crisp with vibrant red pomegranate seeds. They add a refreshing burst of flavor and make for a beautiful presentation.

What to Do with Pomegranate Juice

Whether you’re cooking, baking, or mixing drinks, fresh pomegranate juice offers endless possibilities.

Here are some irresistible ways to use the juice in your kitchen:

Marinades, dressings, and sauces

I love combining pomegranate juice with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs to make a delicious chicken, pork, or beef marinade. This mixture also makes for an incredibly flavorful homemade salad dressing.

You can also reduce the fresh juice on the stove until it forms a rich, tangy sauce or glaze, perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or grilled meats or even using as a dipping sauce.

Cocktails and mocktails

Add a splash of pomegranate juice to drinks like sparkling water, lemonade, or other fruit juices to elevate the refreshing flavor. It’s also a fantastic ingredient in shakes and smoothies, adding a punch of sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with berries and tropical fruits.

Desserts

The options are endless! You can use pomegranate juice in cake batters, muffin mixes, or even frosting to infuse a burst of unique fruity flavor and create a beautiful color.

You can also use pomegranate juice to make homemade sorbet, jellies, and dessert sauces to drizzle over ice cream, cheesecake, panna cotta, and more for an elegant touch!

Conclusion

Now that you’re an expert on what to do with pomegranates, I encourage you to embrace this remarkable superfood’s versatility.

Add them to your shopping list and experience the many ways to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit. Your taste buds and your health will thank you!