Pomegranate Seed Harvesting

Did you know that pomegranates are a super food fruit? Did you know that it is thought the pomegranate tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, not the apple?  It is said that King Tut was buried with them; in hopes of re-birth. They have been dated back as far as 3,000 BC, and are mentioned throughout the Bible. History has linked pomegranates to health and fertility. They are in supplements, hair products, lotions and potions! The fruit is found in ice creams, baked goods, sauces and the seeds are great sprinkled on salads. There are so many uses of this ancient fruit. You know there is something to be said about a fruit that has a crown!

I have always loved pomegranates. As a little girl, I would just pick them from the tree/bush, peel them back and suck the juice~never realizing all the natural health benefits they contained. They are chocked full of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and three types of polyphenols, potent antioxidants.

Now that I am older I appreciate them a little more! I try to eat a couple of tablespoons of seeds everyday. It has been said that as little as a 1/4 cup a day can improve heart health, cancer and aging, I like that! Pomegranates are about the size of an orange and the heavier the fruit the better. They are readily available in the fall, but can be found year round in some health food stores in the Houston area, as well as Fiesta Grocery Stores. 

It takes a little effort to seed pomegranates and it can be messy. I was watching Dr. Oz a couple of weeks ago with a guest doctor that was promoting all the benefits of this ancient fruit and did a segment on the cultivating the seeds that I found fascinating, because it was so easy. I have Googled and searched the web for the segment to share, but had no luck, so I am going to attempt to show you an easy way to get the seeds out without splattering your kitchen with the staining juices!

What you will need:

• Ripe pomegranates
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife (I use serrated)
• Bowl
• Spoon & Strainer
• Baggies

Choose ripe pomegranates if you can. You may have to allow them to ripen a bit once you get them home because they are picked rather early to keep them from bruising in transit. No worries! The can be kept for up to  2 months in your fridge.

Take your pomegranate and cut horizontally; then into quarters

They will look something like this:

Fill a bowl with cool water

Let the quartered rest in the cool water for a couple of minutes

Once it rests, the arils (seeds) will separate easier from the membrane 

 ~ do this with each quarter

The membrane will float to the top of the bowl while the seeds sink to the bottom, making it easy to spoon out the unwanted membranes

Strain your seeds and label your bag for the freezer

  

I use snack bags. Spoon about 3-4 tablespoons in each bag. Pop in the freezer and you will have fresh frozen seed to eat everyday  ~ Enjoy!