When I take the kids to the grocery store, one of their favorite things to do is looking at all the different produce.
I always let them pick out which fruit we get that week; this has led us to trying some new and tasty fruits! Last year they discovered pomegranate, and it quickly became a favorite!
A few weeks ago I mentioned pomegranate on Facebook and Twitter and had one follower who was frustrated by the red-stained fingers they get when opening a pomegranate. I had to share how we learned to cut open a pomegranate!
The first step to cutting up a pomegranate with less mess is to slice off the “crown” portion. I also make 4-5 shallow cuts the length of the fruit.
Next, fill a large bowl with water and soak the pomegranate for 10-15 minutes. This allows the white part to soak of water and become easier to pull apart later.
Then comes the fun part! (This is a wonderful sensory activity for kids, by the way!)
While keeping the fruit in the water, use your thumb to push the red berries out of the white portion.
Pushing them down helps keep the juice from splattering up and making your face look like this….
Doing it in the water also keeps your fingers from getting stained.
The berries will sink in the bowl; the white portion will float to the top, making it easy to separate them. You can use a slotted spoon or your fingers to scoop out the white parts to throw away.
Then just drain the berries and you are ready to eat!
My favorite way to eat pomegranate is in a big fruit salad. I love the slight crunch!
What’s your favorite fruit this time of year?
The Dose of Reality says
This is awesome!! I never, ever knew how to do this!! Yay!! It’s like the secret to the pomegranate universe is now open to me!! Woot!! I’ll buy one at the grocery this weekend to give it a whirl!! –Lisa
OneMommy says
I almost forgot: don’t forget to say “open sesame” when you cut it…. 😉
Chris Carter says
Well who knew? I have never bought nor cut a Pomegranate so THANK you!! That picture cracks me up! Those berries look delicious!
OneMommy says
Her face was covered by the end, because she likes to pull the berries UP instead of pushing them down into the water like Mommy showed her. But she had fun!
Jenn Rian says
I think this is how my mom cuts pomegranates. I love to eat them, but they are so much work and I’m lazy 😉
I don’t think I have a favorite winter fruit. All of our produce looks pretty horrible here in PA during the winter 🙁
OneMommy says
There really isn’t a lot of yummy choices when it comes to winter fruit/veggies, is there? I think pomegranates are the only thing I see that is different this time of year.
j says
So that’s how you are supposed to do it?! I usually just hack into them! Thanks!
OneMommy says
Yep, I actually asked someone at the store and that’s how they suggested. Works!
misssrobin says
I love pomegranates! Thanks for the tips on how to cut it without getting stained. I love eating the seeds plain and tend to just peel as I go. Very messy, but yummy! Can’t wait to try it your way.
Happy Sharefest and best wishes for a wonderful new year!
OneMommy says
I can’t believe I never tried one until the kids found it at the grocery store — they ARE delicious! Thanks so much for stopping by! Off to visit your site now!
Nettie Moore says
I just bought a couple pomegranates today, so happy to find your post, so helpful! Nettie
Valerie says
What a great idea! I have one in the fridge now and I will deff use your advice! (found you on the SITS linky)
OneMommy says
Hope you enjoy!
Amber says
Awesome, thank you! I had no clue how to open these.
OneMommy says
And, it’s really kind of fun to open them! 🙂 Enjoy!
Seana Turner says
I love seeing this. I’ve always wanted to know! I’ve been shy about even trying to cut one:)