How To Eat A Pomegranate?

I have always been fascinated by the pomegranate. In fact, I always found the pomegranate to be similar to my uncle next door. Wondering what I am saying? Am I out of my mind? I surely know that a pomegranate is surely not one that you would draw a simile to, but my uncle next door sure reminded me of the fruit. The tough exteriors and the contrasting soft and sweet inside is probably what got me thinking so.

Coming back to the pomegranate, this is one fruit that has me fascinated. The word "Pomegranate" comes from the Latin word "Pomum" meaning "Apple" and "Granatus" meaning "seeded", so the seeded apple it is. I have been wanting to give it a try and got myself one a few years back. Not knowing how to begin, surfing the net seemed to be the obvious answer. The internet surely left me a little more confused than what I already was. There were so many people out there who found this a tough fruit to eat although they did like it.

So I decided to go the trial and error way and here are some of my exciting finds on "How to eat a Pomegranate?". There were many questions at various forums on tips on how to eat a pomegranate and yes, there were tips and suggestions forwarded by surfers but they only seemed to complicate the issue further. So here is a simple guide to eating this tasty fruit.

-Wash the pomegranate well and pat dry. Cut off the end of the fruit (the bud or flower like looking end). Now get started on the main part. Take a sharp knife and cut the pomegranate into 2 (you could even cut it into 4 if you find it easier to hold a smaller piece while working with the fruit).

-There are two methods for taking out the soft red kernels out of the thick covering of the pomegranate. The thick cover too is also not as thick and rigid as it looks. The first method would involve taking out the kernels in water. Take a bowl of water and place the cut fruit in it. Now slowly take out the kernels or arils into the water. The arils would sink and the pulp or the waste will float.

-The second method I found to be an easy way too. Take a sharp pointed knife and a big bowl. Keep the cut fruit in the bowl and using the sharp pointed knife (with a light hand, all it needs is a delicate touch) separate the red kernels from the white pulp membrane into the bowl.

Once you deseed a pomegranate you would actually realize that it is simple and easy as compared to all the fuss that is made about it. As for the seeds inside each kernel just chew it and eat it too. This is again another major issue of confusion. Yes, the seeds are edible and you do not have to spit it out each time. Thank God. However, to have a great time eating the fruit I suggest that you first take of all the kernels out of the pulp and then sit down to enjoy it. You can even put it in an air tight container and freeze it for future use.

Pomegranate is great as an ice cream topping, a wonderful addition to your salad and there's a whole lot more. I have found pomegranate to be a healthy snacking idea, a pomegranate while watching TV is more fun and healthy than a bowl of chips or pop corn. Try it you will love it and it is good for your heart too. So many things all rolled into one , that is the pomegranate for you.