# How To Juice Pomegranates
Pomegranates are known for their protective antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and folate. The sweet-tart seeds are edible and can be used in various dishes. Making homemade pomegranate juice is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to juice pomegranates.
## Cutting and Removing the Seeds
Using a sharp knife, cut the pomegranate vertically in half. Gently break the pomegranate halves into smaller sections and place them in a bowl of cool water. Loosen the seeds from each section into the water, allowing the seeds to sink to the bottom. Discard the peel and membrane that will be left floating on top.
## Draining the Seeds
Pour the water and pomegranate seeds through a fine-mesh sieve to catch the seeds. One medium pomegranate yields about ½ cup seeds. The seeds can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for several days or frozen in a sealed freezer container for up to 1 year.
## Turning Pomegranate Seeds Into Juice
Homemade pomegranate juice takes just minutes to make once you’ve seeded the pomegranate. Place the drained seeds in a high-power blender or food processor, and blend or process until combined into a pulp. Transfer the pulp to a sieve set over a bowl. Using the back of a spoon, press the pulp to release the juice into the bowl below.
## Adjusting Taste and Enjoying Pomegranate Juice
Taste the juice. If ripe enough, it won’t need any sweetener. If it seems too tart, add a bit of maple syrup or your desired sweetener. Use this pomegranate juice as a beverage or as an ingredient in sauces, salad dressings, juice blends, or cocktails.
## Buying and Storing Pomegranates
Pomegranates are most abundant in the fall through January, making them a festive holiday fruit. Choose heavy fruits with bright, blemish-free skins, and store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month or in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You can also purchase just the pomegranate seeds to make homemade pomegranate juice easier to make.
## Seeding and Juicing Methods
There are various methods for seeding and juicing pomegranates. The first method involves making a shallow slit at the top of the pomegranate, cutting it into sections, and breaking apart the sections in a bowl of water. The second method requires placing the pomegranate in a bowl, making a shallow slit at the top and bottom, and cutting slits in the sides of the rind to expose the seeds. The third method involves using a juicer, while the fourth method uses a wheatgrass spiral juicer for juicing the pomegranates.
## Tips for Juicing Pomegranates
When juicing pomegranates, it’s important to use the right equipment. A high-speed blender or food processor can be used to turn the seeds into pulp, which is then strained to extract the juice. Additionally, it’s essential to taste the juice and adjust the sweetness according to personal preference.
## How to Pick Pomegranates
The best pomegranates are the ones with deep ruby arils, which may have slightly cracked skin and some golden brown patches on the exterior. These tend to be the sweetest pomegranates, often found at farmers’ markets. When picking pomegranates, look for heavy fruits with bright, blemish-free skins.
## Conclusion
Juicing pomegranates at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh pomegranate juice. By following the easy steps outlined above, you can extract the seeds and turn them into delicious, nutritious juice. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you and enjoy the benefits of homemade pomegranate juice.
## FAQs
### 1. Can I store pomegranate seeds in the freezer?
Yes, you can store pomegranate seeds in a sealed freezer container for up to 1 year.
### 2. What is the best way to pick ripe pomegranates?
Look for pomegranates with deep ruby arils, slightly cracked skin, and some golden brown patches on the exterior for the sweetest fruit.
### 3. How long can homemade pomegranate juice be refrigerated?
Homemade pomegranate juice can be refrigerated in a jar for 5 to 6 days.
### 4. Can I use a regular juicer for pomegranates?
A regular juicer may not be suitable for pomegranates as the filters can get clogged. Consider using a wheatgrass spiral juicer for best results.
### 5. What are the nutritional benefits of pomegranate juice?
Pomegranate juice is rich in protective antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and folate, making it a healthy beverage choice.
### 6. Can I use pomegranate juice in cooking and baking?
Pomegranate juice can be used in sauces, salad dressings, juice blends, cocktails, and even in baking to add a unique flavor and nutritional benefits to various dishes.