When you’re served pomegranate seeds for snacking (on a fruit platter, for example), you typically see them completely hulled from their rind, to be picked up in fingerfuls like nuts. Alternatively, try partially cutting the rind of the fruit and breaking the pomegranate into rustic chunks (see photo above).
Just cut around the outside of the fruit, creating a wedge pattern.
It’s important to take care not to slice very deep into the rind—just enough to loosen the wedges so you can break them apart.
The abundant white pith inside the rind will hold a handful of seeds in place for convenient (and portable) snacking. You can pull individual seeds out with your fingers; or, if manners are not an issue, just get in there with your mouth!
6. Pomegranates In A Brighter, Lighter Trail Mix
In lieu of chocolate and other high-caloric ingredients that we tend to toss into trail mix, opt for pomegranate seeds. Try mixing a few of your favorite dried fruits, some candied ginger pieces, cashews and pomegranate seeds for a new take on an old favorite. The change-up will surprise you with its pleasing punch.
Instead of serving loose seeds, serve “rustic wedges” from the whole pomegranate. Photo by Kelly Cline | IST.
7. Yogurt-Dipped Pomegranate Seeds
This snack is a real treat, balancing tart pomegranate seeds with sweet-and-tangy, creamy strawberry yogurt. The result is something you’ll want to enjoy by the handful.
Preheat the oven to 250°F.
Slowly whisk together 1 cup of strawberry yogurt with 2-1/2 cups of powdered sugar. Be sure to mix gradually to ensure everything gets incorporated.
Add pomegranate seeds and mix to coat, then remove with a slotted spoon, in order to release excess yogurt. Lay on a wire rack. Place in the oven and leave the door ajar, then turn it off. This will allow the seeds to dry properly.
Check after 3 hours, and remove once yogurt mixture has dried. Now enjoy a sweet-tart snack, rich in antioxidants.
Pomegranate Arils In Other Recipes
8. Pomegranate Canapés
For a simple, easy, and delicious pass-around at your next party, simply slice a baguette into quarter-inch slices and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until crispy. Spread with cream cheese (or chèvre, or Boursin), sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds, and finish with a tiny sprinkle of sea salt and some fresh ground pepper, adding a pinch of chopped parsley for color. The tartness of the seeds pairs exquisitely with a rich, creamy cheese to create a unique, seasonal crowd-pleaser!
9. Pomegranate Arils As A Salad Topper
If you want crunch in your salad, why use nutritionally void croutons?
As a fresh alternative to other seeds or nuts, pomegranate seeds on a salad add flavor, texture, brightness, and a tartness that can help balance any richer ingredients in which you may have chosen to indulge—cheese and creamy dressing, for example.
Microgreens salad with pomegranate seeds in a portabella mushroom cap. Photo courtesy Pom Wonderful. Get the recipe.
10. Pomegranate Cake Pizzazz
The next time you bake (or buy) a cake, glamorize the icing. Plain vanilla icing is always a safe bet, but feel free to make whatever goes best with the cake.
Then use pomegranate seeds to decorate the cake. Keep it simple and classy with a border at the base and crown of your cake, or let the artist in you create shapes, pictures or words.
The bright crimson seeds on a white background are striking, and the flavor adds some “pop.”
From a plain bundt to an iced layer cake, pomegranate seeds add pizzazz. Photo courtesy Pom Wonderful. Get the recipe.
Final Words
Now that you have ten ways to use pomegranate arils, let your imagination kick in. Take any or all of them to the next level, adding your own spin and style.
This delicious, seasonal fruit has a place in hundreds of dishes. Where can your own culinary creativity take it?.
In addition to a garnish, use pomegranate seeds in marinades. Photo courtesy Pom Wonderful. Get the 
