It’s Pomegranate season!!! And if you’re like me and love the idea of using this lusciously beautiful (and healthy) fruit, but were never really sure how to cut, clean, or prepare it… Today is your lucky day! Here is your foolproof way on how to prepare, ideas on how to use, and all the nutritional benefits of incorporating Pomegranate seeds in your diet!

How to prepare a Pomegranate (don’t freak out, it’s actually much easier than you think)…

1. Before you prepare your pomegranate, remove any white clothing or wear an old apron as these babies are messy and their juice stains! Not only will it stain your clothes but your cutting board as well, which, if this happens, can easily be fixed with a little solution of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice.

2. With a sharp knife, slice 1/4-inch off of the stem end of the pomegranate and place the pomegranate cut side down on the cutting board to stabilize it. The pomegranate’s blossom end, the one that looks like a crown, should be on top.

3. Then just cut right down the middle to halve the pomegranate exposing the seeds.

4. For this next part, place a large bowl filled half way with cold water in your sink. Then working in sections, gently use your fingertips to pry away the seeds (or arils) from the peel and membranes. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the water while pieces of membrane will float to the top, making it easier to separate the membranes from the seeds.

5. Using a slotted spoon skim the pieces of membrane off the top of the water, stopping to swirl the seeds around several times with your fingers – to allow any lingering pieces to float to the top.

6. Strain remaining seeds and voila… Beautiful, luscious pomegranate seeds for days! You can store the remaining seeds in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

Our favorite way to enjoy pomegranate seeds are in salads or mixed with plain yogurt and walnuts, or mixed in with our oatmeal!

And these little bursts of sweetness don’t just taste good, they are good for you too…

Research shows that pomegranates can help prevent or treat various disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and inflammation. Pomegranates have even been shown to provide anticarcinogenic effects. That’s right, pomegranate seeds can prevent and treat certain forms of cancer!

What about pomegranate nutrition? They’re loaded with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Another list the pomegranate makes — the top 10 aphrodisiac foods!

So now you know how to prepare them, how to enjoy them, and what they do for your body! So eat up buttercup!