Can You Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

What to know about the seeds of the round, red fruit.

Can You Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

The pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub rich in antioxidants, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals. Pomegranates are filled with seeds, which makes sense because “granate” comes from the Medieval Latin word “granatum,” which means “many-seeded” or “containing grains.”

Indeed, when you cut open the red fruit, you’ll quickly see that it contains many seeds. But what are you supposed to do with the seeds? Can you eat pomegranate seeds? Here’s what to know.

What Are Pomegranate Seeds?

Pomegranate seeds, which make up about half the weight of the pomegranate—much unlike say, a lemon, where you can easily work around and pick out the few seeds—are encased in something known as an aril. This sweet and juicy covering has some nutritional benefits too.

Underneath the arils, the seeds are hard and crunchy. They’re fibrous, containing fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants though the arils contain a greater concentration.

In addition, pomegranates contain seed oil. (It is a type of fat consisting mostly of polyunsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat.) Pomegranate seeds also contain an acid that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and brain.

Is It OK To Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

Although pomegranate seeds aren’t juicy and sweet like the arils they’re encased in, they are totally ok to eat in moderation (like everything else). In fact, they have a lot of healthy qualities and can be part of a balanced diet.

If you’ve never eaten a pomegranate seed before, your first taste may surprise you. The seeds are quite crunchy and the texture may seem unusual at first. You’ll want to make sure you’re chewing the seeds and not swallowing them whole. You can try enjoying the seeds in a salad, on yogurt, or over ice cream for a sweet treat with some health benefits—and a nice little crunch.

What To Know About Pomegranates

• How to pick: Look for pomegranates with a deep ruby color that has a decent amount of weight when you pick it up. You want it to be somewhat soft as this means the fruit is ripe, but avoid very soft pomegranates as they may be mushy inside. 
• How to store: Pomegranates can last up to two months in the fridge, but once they’re cut open, it’s best to eat the arils and seeds within a few days.
• How to eat: Remember that a pomegranate is not the type of fruit you bite into. The way to enjoy the fruits of the pomegranate is to cut it open to reveal the aril-covered seeds, which you can then scoop out and add to a bowl of Greek yogurt or hot oatmeal. You can also eat the arils and seeds as a stand-alone snack.

Favorite Recipes With Pomegranates

Read the original article on Southern Living.