How to Cut and De-Seed a Pomegranate

1. Stage

Make a thin slice on the bottom of the pomegranate: With a sharp knife, slice 1/4-inch off of the stem end of the pomegranate and place the pomegranate cut side down on the cutting board to stabilize it. The pomegranate's blossom end, the one that looks like a crown, should be on top.

2. Stage

Cut and remove the crown of the pomegranate: Use a paring knife to cut a circle, at a shallow angle, around the crown of the pomegranate, cutting it out.

3. Stage

Make shallow, vertical cuts on the outside of the pomegranate: Notice the gentle ridges along the outside of the pomegranate. Use your knife to cut along those ridges, just through the red part of the pomegranate skin, from blossom end to stem end. You should make about 6 cuts. If you can't feel the ridges, don't worry about it. Just make several gentle cuts (not so deep as to cut any of the seeds underneath) from top to bottom around the pomegranate.

4. Stage

Pry open the pomegranate: Use your fingers to gently pry open the pomegranate. It should open easily, exposing the seeds (called arils ). Continue to open the sections. If you've made 6 cuts, you can pry open 6 sections. It helps to work near or over a large bowl. So that as you open the fruit, any loose seeds find their way to the bowl.

5. Stage

Pry the seeds away from the peel and membranes: Working over a bowl, use your fingers to pry away the seeds from the peel and membranes. If you like, you can fill the bowl part way with water. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the water while pieces of membrane will float to the top, making it easier to separate the membranes from the seeds. If you are concerned about staining your countertop, you can pry open the pomegranate and remove the seeds underwater, but you shouldn't need to if none of the seeds have been cut into. Once you are done stripping the pomegranate seeds from the skin and membranes, skim the membranes from the top of the water, and strain the seeds from the water.

6. Stage

Enjoy: Put the seeds into a serving bowl and munch away. Remember to be careful about where you are eating them. Seeds falling onto a light carpet and then getting squished will cause staining. Eat immediately or store chilled in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.