Instructions

1. Remove the crown off the top of the pomegranate. Do not cut too deep or you will cut the precious arils.
2. Pomegranates are sectioned off like oranges are, and you want to follow these lines. You want to cut deep enough to pierce through the top skin, but not so deep to cut the arils inside.
3. Using the tip of your knife, point it to the center of the white pith. Keeping your knife at a 45º angle, cut a circle around the center of the pith. Remove the cone like white center and discard.
4. Over the bowl of water, place your thumbs into the cored out center of one of the ends of your pomegranate. Gently pull the two halves apart. Any loose arils will fall into the pool of water.
5. Remove each scored off sections. Gently remove the thin skins and excess membranes. Gently tap the seeds out and pull them off the membrane wall. Start removing the arils from each pomegranate section, using the water to clean your fingers and catch each aril.
6. Using a small mesh strainer, remove the floating membrane skins and pith from the water. The seeds will sink to the bottom and the debris will float to the top. When done, use your strainer to remove and drain the pomegranate arils.