How to eat a POM Wonderful Pomegranate

This is a how to guide for those of you who don't quite know how to turn a hard pomegranate into a bowl full of beautiful arils.

1. When shopping for a pomegranate choose a fruit that is heavy for its size. Color varies and is not a good indicator of the fruit within. Blemishes on the thick skin do not indicate injured fruit. To cut a pomegranate you will need a sharp knife and a large bowl of water (optional).

2. Cut 1/2 inch off the top (with the crown). Watch out! Pomegranate juice stains!

3. Next score the pomegranate skin into about 5 or 6 even pieces. I aim for the places where the pith (white fiber) separates the seeds (arils). This makes picking the seeds out easier.

4. It is recommended, but not necessary to pull apart the fruit and gently scrape out the seeds with your fingers while the fruit is submerged in a bowl of water. This minimizes the chances of the juice staining your clothes and aides in the removal of the arils, somewhat.

5. After separating the seeds from the pith and skin let the bowl sit. the pith will float to the top. Scoop this away and pour the bowl through a sieve.

6. Rinse the seeds under cold water and they are ready for use. Darker seeds are riper. 

Now, you can enjoy the epic anti-oxidant benefits of POM Wonderful pomegranates : ) . Available at Hamilton Price Chopper by the way.