Can You Eat Raw Pomegranate Peel? Safety, Benefits, and Preparation

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research, pomegranate peels can contain up to three times the total amount of polyphenols as the juice, including potent antioxidants. While it is technically possible to eat raw pomegranate peel, it is rarely recommended due to its intensely bitter taste, fibrous texture, and potential for causing digestive discomfort.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the safety, potential benefits, and risks associated with consuming pomegranate peel. It discusses why eating the peel raw is unpalatable and highlights alternative, safer methods of preparation, such as drying and grinding it into a powder for tea or topical applications.

Key Points

Avoid Raw Consumption: Eating raw pomegranate peel is not recommended due to its bitter taste, tough texture, and potential for stomach upset.
Rich in Nutrients: When properly prepared, pomegranate peel is a potent source of antioxidants like polyphenols, tannins, and fiber, with concentrations often higher than in the fruit's pulp.
Safely Prepare It: The best way to use pomegranate peel is by drying it completely and grinding it into a fine powder for safe consumption.
Versatile Uses: Pomegranate peel powder can be used to make tea, incorporated into supplements, or applied topically as a face mask to benefit skin health.
Potential Risks: Consuming large quantities of raw peel may be unsafe due to the concentration of certain compounds, and it can interact with specific medications.
Medicinal Properties: Studies suggest that prepared pomegranate peel has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can support digestive, oral, and cardiovascular health.

Can you eat raw pomegranate peel? Is it safe?

While pomegranate peel is not toxic in small amounts, eating it raw is strongly discouraged. The peel is exceptionally fibrous, tough, and has a very bitter, astringent taste that most people find unpleasant. More importantly, consuming large quantities of raw pomegranate peel can be harmful due to certain compounds present. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that consuming large amounts of pomegranate root, stem, or peel may not be safe, as they contain substances that can have harmful effects.

The chemical compounds in pomegranate peel

Despite its unsuitability for raw consumption, pomegranate peel is a powerhouse of beneficial bioactive compounds, many of which are more concentrated than in the fruit's edible arils. The key components are:

Polyphenols and Tannins: The peel is rich in hydrolyzable tannins, especially punicalagin, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these same tannins are responsible for the peel's bitter, astringent taste and can bind with proteins, which can have toxic effects on some organisms.
Alkaloids and Saponins: The presence of alkaloids and saponins in the peel has been noted, and some studies have shown that high concentrations can have a toxic effect. While a small amount is unlikely to be harmful, it contributes to the risk of large-scale consumption.
Dietary Fiber: The peel is also a significant source of dietary fiber, but the raw form is too tough for efficient digestion.

Potential side effects of raw consumption

Attempting to eat raw pomegranate peel can lead to several undesirable side effects due to its chemical composition and physical properties:

Digestive Issues: The high fiber and tannin content can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea.
Bitter Taste: The intense bitterness from tannins is enough to deter most people from eating it in the first place.
Interaction with Medications: Compounds in pomegranate can interfere with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, statins, and blood thinners like warfarin. Those taking these medications should consult a doctor before consuming any part of the pomegranate besides the juice.

Safely consuming pomegranate peel: Preparation methods

Instead of eating the peel raw, there are several safe and beneficial ways to prepare it to unlock its nutritional potential while eliminating the bitter taste and tough texture.

Pomegranate Peel Powder: The most common method involves sun-drying or oven-drying the peels and then grinding them into a fine powder.
- How to make: Remove the white pith from the inner peel. Lay the red outer peels on a tray. Dry them in direct sunlight for 2-3 days or in an oven at the lowest setting (around 170°F or 75°C) for 2-3 hours until brittle. Grind into a powder using a coffee grinder or blender.
Pomegranate Peel Tea: The powder can be steeped in hot water to create an antioxidant-rich tea. This is a traditional remedy in some cultures for sore throats and digestive issues.
Topical Applications: The powder can be mixed with water, rose water, or honey to form a paste for face masks or exfoliants. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties can benefit skin health, fighting acne and reducing inflammation.

Comparison of Raw vs. Prepared Pomegranate Peel


Feature	Raw Pomegranate Peel	Dried Pomegranate Peel Powder
Palatability	Extremely bitter and astringent; tough texture.	Milder flavor, suitable for teas and spice mixes.
Preparation	No preparation needed, but not recommended.	Requires drying and grinding process.
Safety	Potentially unsafe in large quantities due to concentrated compounds and toxicity warnings.	Generally safe when prepared properly and consumed in moderate amounts.
Bioactive Compounds	High concentration of active compounds, but unpalatable and potentially harmful.	Concentrated form allows safe consumption or topical application.
Digestibility	Highly fibrous and difficult to digest.	More digestible when ground into a fine powder.

Health benefits of prepared pomegranate peel

Utilizing prepared pomegranate peel allows access to its impressive health benefits without the risks of raw consumption. Key benefits include:

Rich in Antioxidants: The peel powder is packed with polyphenols, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Supports Digestive Health: The tannins in prepared peel can reduce inflammation in the intestines and aid in treating diarrhea.
Promotes Skin Health: Topically, the antioxidants in peel powder can help combat acne, reduce redness, and delay signs of aging by promoting collagen synthesis.
Dental Hygiene: Its antibacterial properties can fight oral bacteria, making it effective against bad breath and plaque buildup.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Punicalagin and other compounds exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit those with conditions like arthritis.

Conclusion: The verdict on raw pomegranate peel

Ultimately, the answer to the question, "Can you eat raw pomegranate peel?" is no, you shouldn't. While not acutely toxic in small bites, the intense bitterness, tough texture, and presence of potentially harmful compounds in large quantities make it unsuitable for consumption in its raw form. The true value of pomegranate peel lies in its prepared state. By drying and grinding the peel, you can create a versatile powder for teas, supplements, or topical applications, allowing you to safely harness its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. As with any food or supplement, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for those with existing health conditions or taking medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

The intense bitterness and astringent taste of raw pomegranate peel come from a high concentration of tannins, which are naturally occurring polyphenols found in plants. Drying and preparing the peel significantly reduces this unpleasant flavor.

Yes, pomegranate peel extract is commonly sold as a supplement due to its high concentration of beneficial bioactive compounds like punicalagin and other polyphenols. However, it's essential to follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.

The raw peel and other parts like the root and stem contain compounds that can be harmful in large quantities. While a small, accidental amount is not an issue, significant ingestion should be avoided. The processed, powdered form is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Yes, when prepared correctly (often as a powder for tea), pomegranate peel is rich in fiber and tannins that can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the intestines and help with digestive issues like diarrhea.

To make pomegranate peel powder, first separate the peel from the fruit and pith. Dry the peels in direct sunlight for 2-3 days or in an oven on low heat for a few hours until they become brittle. Then, grind the dried peels into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder.

Yes, pomegranate peel powder can be mixed with water or other ingredients like honey to create a face mask or exfoliant. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties can help with acne and general skin health.

Drying and grinding the peel eliminates the tough texture and concentrates the beneficial compounds, making them easier to digest and absorb. It also removes the unpleasantly bitter taste associated with the raw peel.