How to Get Pomegranate Seeds Out (The Easy Water Method)

With this easy water method, removing pomegranate seeds doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Say goodbye to the mess and hello to perfectly separated seeds every time. Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you!

Recipe

About this post

If you’ve ever stained your clothes trying to open a pomegranate, you know the struggle. The juice splatters everywhere, and half the time the seeds get crushed. With this easy water method, you’ll have perfectly separated seeds in minutes—no red splatters, no frustration, just shiny jewel-like arils ready to use. The only downside? You’ll lose a little juice in the process, but I think it’s worth it for the clean results.

Why you’ll love this method

  • Mess-free: No juice explosions all over your kitchen.
  • Quick: Done in just a few minutes.
  • Efficient: Seeds separate from the bitter membrane on their own.
  • Budget-friendly: Skip the pre-packaged arils—they’re pricier and often less fresh.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 fresh pomegranate
  • A large bowl filled with cold water
  • A knife and a cutting board
  • A strainer, slotted spoon or colander

Step-by-step: How to get pomegranate seeds out

Pomegranate seeds are easily scattered on a white napkin, leaving behind red stains. On the left, a glass filled with yogurt and pomegranate seeds sits on another napkin. Additional seeds lie around the surface, resembling tiny jewels against the light background.
  • Score the pomegranate
    Cut lightly around the middle or along natural ridges.
  • Submerge in water
  • Break apart underwater
  • Release the seeds
  • Strain and enjoy

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Pomegranate: Look for a fruit that feels heavy for its size with vibrant, unblemished skin.
  • Cut Gently: Avoid cutting too deep to preserve as many seeds as possible.
  • Use a Large Bowl: Having enough space makes the process smoother.
  • Save the Juice: If juice seeps out while cutting, pour it into a glass—it’s liquid gold!

Variations and comparisons

  • Spoon method: Place half a pomegranate over a bowl and whack the back with a spoon. Faster, but messy.
  • Quartering method: Cut into four wedges and peel apart. Cleaner, but slower.
  • Water method: Best balance of clean and efficient (and my go-to).

How to Use Pomegranate Seeds

  • Sprinkle them on salads for a burst of sweetness, such as the Hearty Curry Chickpea salad with farro, or incorporate them into the salad, like the Winter Beet Pomegranate Salad.
  • Add them to yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast.
  • Use them as a garnish for cocktails (Mulled Wine, anyone?)or desserts.
  • Blend them into smoothies or juices for an extra boost of nutrition.
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A bowl of water, brimming with pomegranate seeds, sits on a white napkin. Surrounding it are scattered seeds and a partially peeled pomegranate on a light-colored surface, creating an easily elegant scene.

How to Get Pomegranate Seeds Out Easily (Using a Bowl of Water)

Alejandra Graf
With this easy water method, removing pomegranate seeds doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Say goodbye to the mess and hello to perfectly separated seeds every time. Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you!
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Equipment

  • A large bowl filled with cold water
  • A knife and cutting board
  • A strainer or colander

Ingredients
  

  • 1 fresh pomegranate

Instructions
 

  • Score the Pomegranate. Start by cutting the pomegranate in half horizontally. Use a sharp knife and apply gentle pressure to avoid cutting through the seeds. If you prefer, you can score the skin into sections instead of halving it. Simply make shallow cuts along the natural ridges.
  • Submerge in Water. Place one half of the pomegranate into the bowl of water, cut side down. This is where the magic begins!
  • Break Apart the Pomegranate. Use your hands to gently pull the pomegranate apart underwater. The water helps reduce resistance and minimizes splattering. Loosen the seeds by pushing your thumbs along the inner edges of the fruit.
  • Separate Seeds from Membranes. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the bitter white membranes float to the surface. Skim off the floating membranes with your hands or a spoon.
  • Strain and Enjoy. Once all the seeds are free, pour the contents of the bowl through a strainer or colander to remove the water. Give the seeds a quick rinse, and they’re ready to eat or use in your favorite recipes.

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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