Pomegranate Power

Red Alert

While pomegranates are known for their tendency to stain anything they touch, a bowl of water is the only tool you will need to keep you and your kitchen stain-free. This method keeps the pomegranate and its stain-causing seeds safely underwater. Still, we recommend that you wear an apron while you follow these steps for seeding a pomegranate:

1. Place the pomegranate in a bowl of water large enough to fit both the fruit and your hands without spilling over.

2. Under the water, use a medium-sized knife to carefully slice off the crown and opposite end of the pomegranate so the seeds are just visible (don’t slice too deeply), then score the pomegranate lengthwise into 11⁄2-inch-wide wedges.

3. With your thumbs, carefully pry the pomegranate apart beneath the water and turn each section inside out. Begin to separate the seeds from the inner white membrane, taking care not to burst the individual juice sacs. The membrane will float to the top while the seeds sink to the bottom.

4. With a large slotted spoon, skim off the floating membrane. Sort through the seeds beneath the water, discarding any stray pieces of membrane (it’s unpleasantly bitter).

5. Drain the pomegranate seeds in a fine mesh strainer. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to one week.