The Festive Fruit: Delicious Pomegranate!

By Courtney Eby, RDN, LD

Pomegranates are those beautiful red fruits that pop up in stores around the holiday season. You can find them from October through February. The sweet, juicy seeds are what you want from this succulent fruit. Pomegranate seeds are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

When selecting a pomegranate look for a rind that is shiny and smooth with a deep reddish color. It should feel heavy for its size. This means there are many plump seeds inside.

Opening a fresh pomegranate might seem like work, however, it's worth the effort! Here is a simple step by step technique:

Step 1: Using a cutting board and a sharp chef's knife, slice off the top of the fruit, and then the bottom.

Step 2: Slit the rind vertically in 4 equal sections. Don't cut all the way through; just go deep enough to break the skin.

Step 3: Place the fruit in a bowl of water and break the sections apart. The seeds will sink to the bottom while the rind and white membrane will float.

Step 4: Pour the seeds and water into a strainer. Take off any remaining membrane and rinse the seeds.

Step 5: Place the seeds in a bowl and enjoy! No need to stop there! Besides eating them fresh, pomegranate seeds go great in salads, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, ice cream and even stuffing and salsa.