Pomegranate seeds are sweet, tart, and beautiful, but can you eat them?
Every autumn and winter, I go past the most beautiful pomegranates with their rich crimson hue in the produce area, and then I keep walking. Pomegranates have a reputation for being a complex fruit to work with, and many of us are still determining where to begin. Pomegranate seeds, on the other hand, are sweet, tart, and packed with health benefits.
Can You Actually Eat Pomegranate Seeds?
Yes! Arils, which are ruby red seeds, can be eaten. Pomegranate seeds account for around half of a pomegranate’s weight. The sources are stiff and fibrous, with a sweet, juicy coating called an aril surrounding them. Each pomegranate has approximately 600 arils.
Arils are a tasty addition to several cuisines, from breakfast dishes like yogurt parfaits and oatmeal to evening dishes like salads and couscous. Serve with your favorite dessert or cocktail.
When purchasing pomegranates, make sure they are ripe. A healthy pomegranate is plump and round. It should be weighty and free of wounds and bruises when you take it up.
Are Pomegranate Seeds Good for You?
Yes, pomegranate seeds are healthy. They are high in nutrients and have numerous health benefits. Vitamins and minerals found in pomegranate seeds include vitamin E and magnesium. They are also high in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fat.
Pomegranate seeds contain a lot of fiber, particularly insoluble fiber. This is the variety that passes through the digestive system unnoticed.
More research is needed, although some studies have found that pomegranate seeds have considerable health benefits. Consuming these arils has been related to decreased blood sugar levels and less inflammation in the brain.
These stunning crimson seeds may have additional cosmetic benefits in addition to their health benefits.
While pomegranate seeds are healthy, excessive consumption might cause gastrointestinal difficulties. An intestinal blockage is a rare side effect of consuming too many pomegranate seeds. People who suffer from chronic constipation are at a slightly higher risk.
How to Open a Pomegranate
The most intimidating aspect of pomegranates is figuring out how to cut them open. Numerous methods are available, many of which will result in pomegranate juice and seeds all over your kitchen surface.
Our preferred method is simple, quick, and, most importantly, simple to clean up. First, prepare a sharp knife and place your pomegranate on a cutting board. Then, holding the pomegranate on its side, cut off the top.
When you take the top off, you’ll notice that the fruit is divided into sections. Score along each paragraph with your knife without cutting all the way through.
Fill a big basin halfway with lukewarm water and carefully pull apart the pomegranate slices over the bowl. Place the pieces in the water dish.
Remove the arils from the fruit by rubbing them with your thumbs. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the membrane will float to the top. This is a quick method for deseeding a pomegranate.
Eliminate the white membrane before straining the water to eliminate the smaller particles. Then, you’ll be left with those juicy ruby red seeds, ready to eat. This is how you eat pomegranates!
It’s crucial to remember that pomegranate juice (and seeds) can stain your clothes or a kitchen towel, so avoid spilling. You are now equipped with your new pomegranate knowledge.
Read more: Can You Eat Pomegranate Seeds?