Can you freeze pomegranate seeds? You might be asking this question and wondering if it is possible. Indeed, it’s a good idea because pomegranate seeds do not last very long after taking them out from the fruit. Follow our tips below, and you will still enjoy the benefits of frozen pomegranate seeds.
Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, originates in Asia, the Mediterranean, and the United States. The color of the fruit varies from brownish yellow to red skin with many pomegranate arils, chambers of seeds clusters surrounded by reddish transparent juicy pulps.
Pomegranate is a versatile fruit and a source of valuable nutrients. According to Wikipedia, per 100 grams of raw pomegranate contains 18.7 grams of carbohydrates, 5 g of which is dietary fiber and the rest are sugar. It is rich in the following vitamins and minerals based on daily value:
folate – 10%
vitamin C – 12%
vitamin K – 16%
Pantothenic acid (B5) – 8%
Thiamine (B1) – 6%
vitamin B6 – 6%
Manganese – 6%
Phosphorus – 5%
Potassium – 5%
From the juice to pomegranate seeds, it has many uses in culinary arts. It is one of the superfoods with multiple benefits and a big flavor.
For example, thickened and sweetened pomegranate juice serves as the main ingredient of Grenadine syrup or Pomegranate Molasses. Another method you can use pomegranate juice is to add it into your stew to enhance its flavor bringing a different depth to it. An example is a lamb stew. With its tender texture and mouthwatering blend of taste is a winner.
Pomegranate seeds have several uses to make savory dishes. For example, you can add seeds into your salad greens or sprinkle them into your yogurt parfait over slices of fruits or roasted vegetables. Further, you can add pomegranate seeds to baked products such as cakes, scones, and tarts.
Can you freeze pomegranate seeds to save them for later? Of course and their many uses will encourage you to freeze pomegranate seeds so you can extend their shelf life.
Since pomegranate seeds are very nutritious, incorporating fresh or frozen pomegranate into your diet is a good habit. Freezing pomegranate seeds is a great idea for anyone who likes to have pomegranate available for making snack recipes throughout the year.
The high antioxidant content in fresh fruit will begin deteriorating immediately upon picking. However, freezing these seeds presents an opportunity to obtain all that nutrition with less work involved.
Another benefit of freezing pomegranate seeds is that the nutrients are locked inside the seed, making them more bioavailable when consumed later. So that’s one of the reasons why you need to freeze pomegranate seeds.
Pomegranates can be pricey; buying in bulk is a budget-friendly way to enjoy them, but they spoil quickly. The freezing trick helps avoid spoilage and waste. So the question asked previously can you freeze pomegranate seeds is very relevant. It’s an affirmative; you can freeze them after removing all the pulp using our super easy method, then have delicious pomegranate seeds no matter what time of year it is.
It might be challenging to deseed the pomegranate without getting stained because of the juice. There are two standard methods to deseed Pomegranates:
Method 1. Use a bowl with water.
To deseed a pomegranate, cut the fruit in half and submerge it in a small bowl of cold water. The seeds will sink to the bottom while the white pith floats. Skim off the pith and then use your fingers to remove the seeds from the membrane gently. You can also place the pomegranate half in a strainer and press down on it to release the seeds.
Method 2. Using bare hands
You can use a knife to cut the skin away from the seeds, but it’s more accessible, and your fingers won’t get stained if you tear off big pieces of skin until all that’s left are individual seeds. Use hands to twist two halves like an opening jar. Then get a bowl and dump your pomegranate seeds out on it. If you need extra help, use a wooden spoon to knock on the opposite side to help seeds come out.
To freeze pomegranate seeds, dry them before putting them into a freezer bag.
Step 1. To do this, allow the seeds to dry completely after removing them from the fruit. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2. Then spread out on a towel or paper towels until they are dry. After making sure the pomegranate seeds dry, put them on the baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Make sure they’ve got a lot of room around them, so they don’t touch each other too much while they freeze, then stick them in the freezer for a few hours.
Step 3. Once frozen, place in an air-tight container for storage or ziplock bag in the freezer until needed. Remember to label the container with the date.
Preferably defrosting should happen slowly at room temperature to avoid condensation on the seeds. If you plan to use them in a cooked dish, it is best to defrost pomegranate seeds slowly overnight in the refrigerator before using them. It will help prevent the breaking down of the pomegranate seeds.
Option 1. Pop the bag in a cup of water for an hour.
Option 2. Put the bag in the fridge overnight.
Option 3. Take the seeds out of the freezer and place them into a colander. Run cold tap water over them until they defrost (about 30 seconds). Drain away any excess water by placing thawed pomegranate seeds onto a clean dish towel and leaving to dry.
The skin color can tell you a lot about how mature they are – generally, if the skin’s dull, it’s not yet ripe enough to eat, while deep red-colored skin with no bruising means that this pomegranate is ripe and ready for eating.
When you cut open a fresh pomegranate, there should be very few white or pale brown seeds mixed in with bright red ones. If you find any noticeably white or pale brown seeds, don’t worry – scoop them out before enjoying your fruit! Look closely at your seed clusters; when well-ripened, all seeds will be a deep red.
Any soft spots or bruising on the skin show that it’s starting to go rotten. Mildew or mold growth on the skin leads to fruit rot inside the fruit itself – something we don’t want! Don’t let it sit around for too long before enjoying it!
If you plan to eat them as they are right from the freezer, place each one on your tongue and let it thaw naturally there before eating anything else with them.
They make a delicious popsicle if put into an ice tray or made into little molds and then left out for a bit or placed in the freezer to enjoy later.
You can also use them in fruit salads fruit smoothies by adding them along with other fruits and liquids for a healthy way to start your day!
Use in fresh salads, top kasha, granola, smoothie bowl
Pomegranates seeds can also be stored in their freezer bags and kept for six months. Once defrosted, the pomegranate seeds are good within 48 hours after thawing.
Pomegranate seeds are a tart, juicy, and nutritious addition to many dishes. Freezing pomegranate seeds is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutrients and extend their shelf life. When frozen, the seeds can be enjoyed even when pomegranate fruit is not in season and not available at the grocery stores.
