Do you love the sweet and tangy taste of pomegranate but dread the tedious task of removing those pesky seeds? Well, fret no more! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of top kitchen hacks that will make the process of removing pomegranate seeds a breeze. From using a wooden spoon to juicing the fruit underwater, these simple yet effective tricks will have you enjoying pomegranate in no time. Say goodbye to messy hands and hello to effortless seed removal!
Method 1: Underwater Pomegranate Deseeding
Step 1: Prepare a bowl of water
Preparing a bowl of water is the first step in this method. Fill a clean bowl with fresh water, making sure there is enough space to fully submerge the pomegranate.
Step 2: Cut off the crown of the pomegranate
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the crown (the top part) of the pomegranate. This will create an opening that will make it easier to access the seeds inside.
Step 3: Make shallow cuts
Make shallow cuts along the ridges of the pomegranate, from the crown to the base. These cuts will help loosen the seeds and make it easier to remove them later.
Step 4: Submerge pomegranate in water
Place the pomegranate in the bowl of water, making sure it is fully submerged. This will allow the seeds to easily separate from the pith and membranes.
Step 5: Gently remove the seeds
Using your fingers or a spoon, gently separate the seeds from the pomegranate. The water will help loosen the seeds, making it easier to remove them without damaging them.
Step 6: Drain the water
Once you have removed all the seeds, carefully drain the water from the bowl. You can use a colander or simply pour the water out, being careful not to lose any seeds in the process.
Step 7: Separate the seeds from the remaining pomegranate pieces
After draining the water, you may notice that there are still some small pieces of pomegranate left in the bowl. Take a few moments to separate any remaining seeds from these pieces and discard the unwanted parts.
Method 2: Rolling Pomegranate
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
To begin this method, cut off the crown of the pomegranate with a knife. Then, score the skin of the pomegranate by making shallow cuts along the ridges from the crown to the base. These scores will help to loosen the seeds later on.
Step 2: Place a paper towel on the cutting board
To keep your cutting board clean and to prevent the pomegranate from slipping, place a paper towel on the cutting board. This will provide stability and absorb any juice that may be released during the process.
Step 3: Hold the pomegranate halves with your hands
Once the pomegranate is scored, hold each half of the pomegranate with your hands, cut side down. This will allow you to have a good grip on the fruit while rolling it on the counter.
Step 4: Gently roll the pomegranate halves on the counter
With a gentle pressure, roll the pomegranate halves back and forth on the counter. This motion will help release the seeds from the pith and membranes, allowing them to fall out more easily.
Step 5: Collect the dislodged seeds
As you roll the pomegranate halves, you will notice that some seeds start to dislodge and fall out. Use your hands or a spoon to collect these seeds and transfer them to a bowl.
Step 6: Remove any remaining seeds manually
If there are any seeds that have not yet been dislodged, you can manually remove them by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon. Take your time to ensure all the seeds are removed before moving on.
Method 3: Hitting Pomegranate with a Spoon
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
As with the previous methods, start by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate. Then, make shallow cuts along the ridges of the pomegranate to help loosen the seeds.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it firmly in your hand, cut side facing down. This will allow you to control the force and direction of the seeds as they are released.
Step 3: Turn the pomegranate half upside down over a bowl
Position the pomegranate half upside down over a bowl, with the cut side facing towards the bottom of the bowl. This will ensure that the seeds fall directly into the bowl as they are dislodged.
Step 4: Hit the back of the pomegranate firmly with a spoon
Using a spoon, firmly and repeatedly hit the back of the pomegranate half. The force of the spoon hitting the pomegranate will help release the seeds and cause them to fall out into the bowl.
Step 5: Collect the seeds that fall out
As you hit the pomegranate half with the spoon, you will see the seeds falling out and landing in the bowl. Make sure to collect these seeds as they are dislodged.
Step 6: Repeat with the other half
Once you have finished with one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it firmly in your hand, turn it upside down over the bowl, and hit it with the spoon to release the seeds.
Step 7: Remove any remaining seeds manually
After hitting both halves, check if there are any remaining seeds that have not been dislodged. If so, you can manually remove them by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 4: Using a Wooden Spoon
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
Start by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate, followed by scoring the skin along the ridges. This will help loosen the seeds and make them easier to remove.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it securely in your hand, cut side down. This will help you control the force and direction as you tap the seeds out.
Step 3: Hold a wooden spoon in your other hand
In your other hand, hold a wooden spoon firmly. The size and shape of the spoon will provide a good surface area for gently tapping the pomegranate.
Step 4: Gently tap the back of the pomegranate with the spoon
With the pomegranate held in one hand, use the wooden spoon to gently tap the back of the pomegranate. The tapping motion will help to dislodge the seeds and allow them to fall out.
Step 5: Collect the seeds that fall out
As you tap the pomegranate, you will see the seeds falling out. Collect these seeds using your hands or a spoon, transferring them to a bowl or plate.
Step 6: Repeat with the other half
Once you have finished tapping one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, tap it with the wooden spoon, and collect the dislodged seeds.
Step 7: Remove any remaining seeds manually
After tapping both halves, check for any remaining seeds that have not been released. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 5: Extracting Seeds in a Bowl
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
As with the previous methods, start by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate. Then, use a knife to score the skin along the ridges, making shallow cuts that will help loosen the seeds.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Hold one half of the scored pomegranate firmly in your hand, cut side facing down. This will allow you to control the movement of the seeds as you tap them out.
Step 3: Hold the pomegranate half face down over a large bowl
Position the pomegranate half face down over a large bowl, ensuring that the cut side is facing towards the bottom of the bowl. This will help collect the seeds as they are dislodged.
Step 4: Using a spatula or spoon, firmly tap the back of the pomegranate
Using a spatula, large spoon, or any utensil with a flat surface, firmly tap the back of the pomegranate. The force of the tapping will help release the seeds and cause them to fall into the bowl.
Step 5: Collect the seeds that fall into the bowl
As you tap the pomegranate, you will see seeds falling into the bowl. Make sure to collect these seeds as they are dislodged, using your hands or a spoon.
Step 6: Repeat with the other half
After tapping one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, position it face down over the bowl, and tap the back to release the seeds.
Step 7: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once you have tapped both halves, check for any remaining seeds that have not been released. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 6: Using a Citrus Press
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
As always, begin by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate. Then, score the skin along the ridges to help loosen the seeds.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it firmly in your hand, cut side facing down. This will allow you to press the juice out and separate the seeds.
Step 3: Place the pomegranate half in a citrus press
Position the pomegranate half in a citrus press, cut side down. Make sure the pomegranate fits snugly into the press, allowing for maximum extraction of juice and separation of seeds.
Step 4: Squeeze the handles of the citrus press to extract the juice
With the pomegranate half in the press, squeeze the handles together firmly. This will apply pressure to the fruit, extracting the juice and causing the seeds to separate.
Step 5: Collect the seeds that separate from the juice
As you squeeze the citrus press, you will see the juice and seeds separate. Collect the seeds from the press, making sure to remove any juice that may be attached.
Step 6: Repeat with the other half
After pressing one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it firmly in your hand, place it in the citrus press, and squeeze to extract the remaining juice and separate the seeds.
Step 7: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once you have pressed both halves, check if there are any remaining seeds that have not been separated. If so, you can manually remove them by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 7: Using a Pomegranate Deseeder Tool
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
Begin by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate and scoring the skin along the ridges. These steps will help loosen the seeds and make them easier to remove.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it securely in your hand, cut side down. This will allow you to control the movement of the seeds as you use the deseeder tool.
Step 3: Place the pomegranate half on the deseeder tool
Position the pomegranate half on the deseeder tool, cut side down. Make sure the pomegranate fits snugly into the tool, ready for separating the seeds.
Step 4: Gently twist the tool to separate the seeds
With the pomegranate half on the deseeder tool, gently twist the tool to separate the seeds from the pith and membranes. The design of the tool will assist in this process by effectively removing the seeds.
Step 5: Collect the seeds in a bowl
As you twist the deseeder tool, the seeds will dislodge from the pomegranate and collect in the bowl. Keep twisting until all the seeds are removed from the half.
Step 6: Repeat with the other half
After deseeding one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, place it on the deseeder tool, and twist to separate and collect the seeds.
Step 7: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once you have used the deseeder tool on both halves, check for any remaining seeds that have not been separated. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 8: Using a Wooden Spoon and Bowl
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
To begin, cut off the crown of the pomegranate and score the skin along the ridges. These steps are crucial in loosening the seeds and making them easier to remove.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it securely in your hand, cut side facing down. This will allow you to tap the seeds out with the wooden spoon.
Step 3: Hold a wooden spoon in your other hand
With your other hand, hold a wooden spoon firmly. The size and shape of the spoon will provide a good surface area for tapping the pomegranate.
Step 4: Hold a large bowl under the pomegranate
Position a large bowl under the pomegranate, ensuring that it is directly underneath the fruit. This will collect the seeds as they are dislodged by the spoon.
Step 5: Gently tap the back of the pomegranate with the spoon
With the pomegranate held in one hand, gently tap the back of the fruit with the wooden spoon. The tapping motion will help dislodge the seeds and cause them to fall into the bowl.
Step 6: Collect the seeds that fall into the bowl
As you tap the pomegranate, you will see the seeds falling into the bowl below. Use your hands or a spoon to collect these seeds and transfer them to a separate bowl or plate.
Step 7: Repeat with the other half
After tapping one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, tap it with the wooden spoon, and collect the seeds that fall into the bowl.
Step 8: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once you have tapped both halves, check for any remaining seeds that have not been dislodged. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 9: Using a Plastic Bag
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
Start by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate and scoring the skin along the ridges. These steps are essential in loosening the seeds and simplifying the removal process.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it securely in your hand, cut side down. This will allow you to position it in the plastic bag for extracting the seeds.
Step 3: Place the pomegranate half in a plastic bag
Insert the pomegranate half into a plastic bag, ensuring that it fits comfortably. Close the bag tightly, leaving a small opening that will allow you to hit the pomegranate and release the seeds.
Step 4: Close the bag tightly, leaving a small opening
Once the pomegranate half is in the plastic bag, close the bag tightly to prevent any seeds or juice from escaping. Leave a small opening that will serve as a target for hitting the pomegranate.
Step 5: Gently hit the back of the pomegranate to release the seeds
Using a gentle force, hit the back of the pomegranate through the opening in the bag. The impact will cause the seeds to dislodge and fall into the bag.
Step 6: Collect the seeds in a bowl or directly from the bag
As you hit the pomegranate, the seeds will collect in the plastic bag. Once you are finished, open the bag and pour the seeds into a bowl. Alternatively, you can collect the seeds directly from the bag.
Step 7: Repeat with the other half
After deseeding one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, place it in a plastic bag, and hit the back to release and collect the seeds.
Step 8: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once both halves have been hit, check for any remaining seeds that have not been released. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
Method 10: Using Water and a Bowl
Step 1: Cut off the crown and score the pomegranate
As with the previous methods, start by cutting off the crown of the pomegranate. Then, use a knife to score the skin along the ridges, making shallow cuts that aid in removing the seeds.
Step 2: Hold one pomegranate half with your hand
Take one half of the pomegranate and hold it securely in your hand. Position your hand so that the pomegranate is cut side down, ready to be tapped.
Step 3: Hold a large bowl under the pomegranate
Position a large bowl under the pomegranate, ensuring that it is directly underneath the fruit. The bowl will catch any seeds that are dislodged during the process.
Step 4: Hold the pomegranate half cut side down in your hand
With the pomegranate held in one hand, make sure it is cut side down. This will ensure that the seeds are released when you tap the back of the fruit.
Step 5: Hit the back of the pomegranate with a spoon
Using a spoon, gently tap the back of the pomegranate. The tapping motion will help dislodge the seeds and cause them to fall into the bowl below.
Step 6: Collect the seeds that fall into the bowl
As you tap the pomegranate, you will see the seeds falling into the bowl. Collect these seeds using your hands or a spoon, and transfer them to a separate bowl or plate.
Step 7: Repeat with the other half
After tapping one half of the pomegranate, repeat the process with the other half. Hold it securely in your hand, tap it with the spoon, and collect the seeds that fall into the bowl.
Step 8: Remove any remaining seeds manually
Once you have tapped both halves, check for any remaining seeds that have not been dislodged. You can manually remove these seeds by gently picking them out with your fingers or a spoon.
In conclusion, there are multiple methods available for easily removing pomegranate seeds. Whether you choose to use the underwater deseeding method, rolling the pomegranate, hitting it with a spoon, using a wooden spoon, extracting the seeds in a bowl, using a citrus press, a pomegranate deseeder tool, a wooden spoon and bowl, a plastic bag, or water and a bowl method, all these techniques are efficient and can make the task of deseeding a pomegranate much simpler. Experiment with these different methods to find the one that works best for you, and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of pomegranate seeds in your favorite dishes and snacks!
