pomegranates gone viral

When I was in elementary school I had a friend whose family was originally from Bangladesh. After school her mother would cut a the most intriguing fruit into quarters and give one to each of us and her two younger siblings. It felt like it took hours upon hours to pick all of the seeds out of each of our wedges but the sweet bursts of flavor in each bite made it more than worth our efforts. It wasn’t until several years later that I had any idea what a pomegranate was, but I can tell you that her mother was a genius. A healthy afternoon snack that quietly entertains four kids as they skillfully maneuver their tiny little fingers through a mysterious fruit is totally a win win situation if you ask me.

I typically avoid viral videos on Facebook and the likes at all costs, but when I came across this video for deseeding a pomegranate in ten seconds using a wooden spoon I was intrigued. Not only did I choose to share the video, but I set out immediately to put this method to the test. The last time I deseeded a pomegranate was over twenty years ago so my frame of reference is limited, but I have to tell you that I was blown away. I am now officially addicted to pomegranates.

In the last week I have consumed a total of four pomegranates both in their natural state as well as thrown into a few recipes. My current favorite way to enjoy the seeds is throwing a handful into sparkling water or Orangina if I’m feeling fancy.

HOW TO DESEED A POMEGRANATE WITH A WOODEN SPOON

1. Score the outer skin of the pomegranate all the way around the middle, about a quarter of an inch deep.
2. Use the edge of your knife blade to pry the seam apart and break the pomegranate into halves. This keeps the majority of the seeds in tact as opposed to cutting the fruit in half.
3. Hold each half with the seeds facing upward and gently bend edges backwards to loosen the inner membrane.
4. Hold each half in your palm, seeds down, over a medium to large bowl.
5. With the back of a wooden spoon, whack the outside of each pomegranate half while rotating in your hand.
6. Seeds will fall into bowl and are ready to eat. Discard any stray pieces of membrane that separate and fall into the bowl.

NOTE: To avoid splatter painting your kitchen a beautiful shade of red, I found that a deep bowl placed into the kitchen sink worked wonders.

If you’re looking for ways to take advantage of this beautiful winter produce, I would start with one of the recipes below. Just don’t be surprised if I show up at your doorstep expecting for you to share.

POMEGRANATE DARK CHOCOLATE TART  ///  Eat the Love
GLUTEN FREE VANILLA POMEGRANATE WAFFLES  ///  Pineapple and Coconut
WINTER SANGRIA WITH CITRUS & POMEGRANATE  ///  Simple Bites
POMEGRANATE COCONUT MOUSSE  ///  Pineapple and Coconut

POMEGRANATE SCONES  ///  Shugary Sweets
POMEGRANATE BROWNIES  ///  Because I Like Chocolate
CITRUS & POMEGRANATE WITH VANILLA SYRUP  ///  Simple Bites
WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE  ///  Noble Pig