Pomegranate Calories

Score the skin around the crown, then make shallow cuts down the sides where the pale membranes divide the fruit. Pull it apart over a bowl of water and loosen the arils underwater to limit splashes.

A ripe pomegranate usually feels heavy for its size and has firm, taut skin. Shape can become slightly angular as the arils fill out; color alone is not a reliable test because it varies by variety.

Keep a whole pomegranate in a cool, dry place if you will eat it soon, or refrigerate it to extend its freshness. Refrigerate removed arils in a covered container and discard them if they develop mold or an off smell.

No, juice does not provide the same amount of fiber as eating the whole pomegranate. It can still contain many of the fruit’s plant compounds, but whole arils are more filling and retain the edible seeds and surrounding pulp.

Yes, pomegranate arils freeze well. Spread them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe container. Use them frozen in smoothies or thaw them in the refrigerator.

The white, spongy material is the pomegranate’s membrane, which separates the arils into sections. It is edible but tastes bitter and feels fibrous, so most people remove it while picking out the juicy seeds.

Pomegranate is not considered toxic to dogs, but the seeds and fibrous fruit can upset some dogs’ stomachs. Avoid giving dogs the peel, and contact a veterinarian if your dog eats a large amount or becomes unwell.

Yes, pomegranate arils are generally fine to eat during pregnancy when washed and handled safely. Choose fresh, intact fruit, refrigerate cut arils, and avoid unpasteurized juice because it can carry harmful bacteria.

Yes, pomegranate juice can leave a stubborn stain because its pigments cling to fabric. Blot the spot rather than rubbing it, rinse promptly with cold water, and treat the fabric before laundering according to its care instructions.