Editor's note: Updated 21.12.20

Get ready, the pomegranate season is almost upon us. Between November and January this winter fruit will grace our greengrocer's shelves in style. A spectacular fruit with edible seeds which make fantastically attractive garnishes with the added bonus of being full of antioxidants.

But how do you eat a pomegranate? Releasing the seeds and cooking might be new to you. We show you how to get the best from this unique fruit this autumn.

How to seed a pomegranate?

PEELING POMEGRANATE 
If you've never cracked a pomegranate open this is the first thing that you'll need to master. Below Thomas Joseph's video teaches us an easy and practical technique to release the seeds without spraying the kitchen with the red juices. All you need is a knife and a spoon.

1. Gently score the skin around the perimeter of the pomegranate cross wise with a sharp knife being careful not to cut into the seeds inside.
2. Pry the pomegranate in half
3. Using the back of a spoon tap the back of a pomegranate and allow the seeds into a bowl below.

Watch the fastest and easiest way to seed a pomegranate in action below:

How to open a pomegranate under water

There are other techniques to opening pomegranates, like using the water technique to avoid mess.

1. Make an ‘x’ on the top of the pomegranate using a sharp knife.
2. Place the pomegranate in a large bowl of water and use your thumbs to open the pomegranate under water, starting from the 'x' slit the fruit should pull apart in wedges.
3. Using your fingers gently remove the red seeds. (The seeds will sink to the bottom and the membrane and skin will float to the top.)
4. Sieve the seeds and gently dry.

Watch how it's done in this theatrical guide to opening a pomegranate in six movements in the video below:

How to cook with pomegranate?

Firstly pomegranates are good to eat just by themselves, or simply scattered over breakfast yogurt. But you can use the seeds of this fruit in a very creative way in the kitchen. The red jewel like seeds make extremely attractive garnishes for vegetable dishes, roasted meat and fish and even scattered over desserts.

Try to cook with pomegranate using these tips.

Pomegranate Recipes

Pomegranate in salads

If you're tired of your usual salads, pep them up this autumn by scattering in some pomegranate seeds. Not only do they add colour they are good for you.

GREEN SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE SEEDS RECIPE

Simply scatter pomegranate seeds over a green salad to give it instant colour and interest with some added sweet crunch.

Pomegranate with Meat

Pomegranate elevates meat dishes cooked into accompanying sauces it works particularly well with duck or pork.

DUCK BREAST WITH POMEGRANATE RECIPE

Duck and pomegranate are a winning combination. Vibrant colour and sweet jus work perfectly with the gamey pan fried duck.

Pomegranate Desserts

From cheesecake to ice cream Epicurious have a comprehensive range of pomegranate dessert recipes where you'll be impressed by just how versatile this fruit is.

Pomegranate Cocktails

Pomegranate adds instant colour and a warm christmassy feel to winter cocktails. Try out this one out for champagne in the video below. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.