Grocery
Fresh Pomegranate
What it is
This is a whole, fresh pomegranate, a round fruit with a tough, leathery rind. Inside, it is filled with hundreds of small, jewel-like seeds called arils. Each aril consists of a juicy pulp surrounding a tiny, edible seed. The arils are the edible part of the fruit and are known for their vibrant color and unique sweet-tart flavor. The rind and the white pith are not typically eaten.
How people cook with it
Pomegranate arils can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, adding a burst of flavor and texture.
- Garnish for salads
- Topping for yogurt
- Ingredient in desserts
- Flavoring for drinks
To access the arils, score the top of the pomegranate with a knife and cut off the crown. Then, make shallow cuts around the fruit and break it apart into sections. Submerge the sections in a bowl of water and gently roll out the arils. The seeds will sink to the bottom, while the membrane and rind will float, making them easy to separate. You can then drain the arils and use them as desired. They can be eaten fresh or incorporated into various culinary creations.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike many other fruits, the edible portion of a pomegranate is not the flesh but the arils, which are the juicy sacs containing the seeds. The texture is also distinct, with a slight crunch from the seeds within the soft pulp.
Who it is for
Home cooks and bakers looking to add a unique fruit element to their meals.
How to keep the rest
Store whole, uncut pomegranates at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a month. Once the arils are removed, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days for best quality.