What part of pomegranate do you not eat?

While hundreds of juicy arils are delicious and nutritious, most people are surprised to learn that the thick, leathery rind and bitter white membranes of a pomegranate are parts you should not eat. Although technically edible in powdered form, consuming large amounts of the peel, stems, or roots raw can be harmful.

Quick Summary

The inedible parts of a pomegranate are the tough outer rind and the bitter internal white pith, while the juicy red arils are the desired edible portion. Proper preparation involves separating the arils from the membranes and rind to avoid an unpleasant, bitter taste.

Key Points

• Discard the Peel and Pith: Do not eat the thick, outer skin or the bitter white membranes inside the pomegranate.

• Eat the Arils and Seeds: The edible parts are the juicy, red arils, and the small crunchy seeds inside them are safe and healthy to consume.

• Be Mindful of Bitterness: The white pith contains tannins that cause a bitter taste, which is why it should be discarded.

• Use the Water Method: Submerging pomegranate sections in a bowl of water helps easily separate the edible arils from the inedible, floating pith.

• Understand Safety Precautions: While small amounts of pith won't cause harm, large quantities of the root, stem, or peel can be toxic.

What Parts of the Pomegranate Are Not Eaten?

To enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of a pomegranate without the bitter and tough parts, it is essential to know which sections to discard. The edible parts are the vibrant, juicy red seed casings, known as arils, and the small seeds within them. The parts to avoid include the outer peel, the inner white pith and membranes, and the fruit's stem and roots.

The Outer Rind or Peel

The thick, tough outer skin of a pomegranate, also called the pericarp, should be discarded. While it contains beneficial antioxidants, it is incredibly bitter and fibrous, making it unpleasant to eat directly. Large amounts of the raw peel, root, or stem may be unsafe to consume. In some cases, the peel can be dried and ground into a powder for use in teas or extracts, but this requires specific preparation.

The Inner White Pith and Membranes

Inside the pomegranate, a spongy, cream-colored network of white membranes separates the arils into chambers. This pith, while not poisonous in small quantities, is very bitter and should be removed before eating. It is this bitterness, caused by tannins, that most people want to avoid when enjoying a pomegranate. A simple water-based method for removing the arils makes separating them from this pith very easy.

Are the Seeds Edible?

Contrary to some beliefs, the seeds inside the arils are perfectly safe and healthy to eat. The aril is the entire seed pod—the juicy flesh and the tiny seed within. They provide an excellent source of fiber and beneficial nutrients. Chewing the seeds releases the tart juice, and the crunchy texture is enjoyed by many. It is only the hard, unappealing parts—the outer skin and inner pith—that should be removed.

Comparison: Edible vs. Non-Edible Pomegranate Parts

Feature	Edible (Arils and Seeds)	Non-Edible (Rind and Pith)
Appearance	Bright red, translucent, juicy kernels	Tough, leathery red or pink outer skin; spongy white internal membranes
Taste	Sweet and tart	Extremely bitter and astringent
Texture	Crunchy and juicy	Tough, fibrous, and inedible
Preparation	Simple removal for immediate consumption or juicing	Requires drying and processing for alternative uses; discarded for raw eating
Nutritional Content	High in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins	High in tannins, but difficult to digest and bitter
Consumption Method	Eaten raw, added to salads, or juiced	Typically discarded; small quantities in extracts or powders

Step-by-Step Guide for Pomegranate Preparation

Removing the edible arils from the non-edible parts is simpler than many people think and can be done with minimal mess. The following steps ensure you get to the delicious part of the fruit easily:

1. Prepare a Workspace: Place a cutting board on a kitchen counter and have a large bowl of water ready. Pomegranate juice can stain, so preparing a clean workspace is key.
2. Remove the Crown: Slice off the top of the pomegranate, about a quarter-inch down, to expose the interior membranes and arils.
3. Score the Peel: Following the natural ridges of the pomegranate's exterior, score the skin from top to bottom, being careful not to cut too deeply into the arils.
4. Break It Apart: Gently pull the pomegranate apart into sections, using the scored lines as a guide.
5. Submerge and Release: Working under the water in your bowl, use your fingers to rub and release the arils from the membranes and rind. The heavy arils will sink, and the bitter white pith will float to the top.
6. Skim and Strain: Skim the floating pith and membrane pieces from the water's surface, then strain the bowl to collect your perfect arils.

A Final Word on Pomegranate Enjoyment

Understanding what part of pomegranate you do not eat is the first step toward hassle-free enjoyment of this vibrant, healthy fruit. By focusing solely on the ruby-red arils and discarding the tough outer rind and bitter white pith, you can easily incorporate this ancient, antioxidant-rich food into your diet. This simple preparation method ensures you get all the flavor and nutritional benefits with none of the unpleasant texture or taste. So next time you grab a pomegranate, you'll know exactly how to get to the good part.

Conclusion

In summary, the parts of a pomegranate you should not eat are the tough outer peel and the bitter inner white membranes (pith). The juicy, jewel-like red arils, which contain the seed inside, are the edible portion and are full of nutrients like antioxidants and fiber. By following a simple water-based preparation method, you can effectively separate the desirable sweet-tart arils from the unpalatable parts of the fruit, avoiding the bitter flavor and tough texture.

What part of a pomegranate can be harmful?

While the rind and pith are generally not harmful in small amounts, they can be toxic in large quantities. For this reason, consuming a significant amount of the raw root, stem, or peel is not recommended. Always stick to the arils for safe, delicious enjoyment.

List of Things to Know About Pomegranates

• The tough, inedible outer rind is also known as the pericarp and should be discarded.
• The bitter, fibrous inner membranes are called pith and float in water, making them easy to separate.
• The ruby-red juicy seeds are technically arils and are both edible and nutritious.
• The tiny seeds inside the arils are a great source of fiber and are perfectly safe to chew and swallow.
• The water-submersion method is a mess-free way to separate the arils from the pith.
• The bitter taste in the pith is caused by tannins, a natural compound.
• Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, which are mainly concentrated in the arils and juice.
• The peel, root, and stem can be potentially harmful in large quantities and are best avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat the white part of a pomegranate?

You can, but it is not recommended. The white, spongy membrane, also called pith, is technically edible but has an extremely bitter and unpleasant taste caused by tannins. Most people discard it to enjoy the sweet arils without the bitterness.

Are pomegranate seeds safe to eat?

Yes, pomegranate seeds are perfectly safe and healthy to eat. The 'seed' is actually the aril, which includes the juicy red flesh and the small, crunchy seed inside. They are a great source of fiber and nutrients.

What happens if you eat pomegranate peel?

If you eat a large amount of pomegranate peel, it may be unsafe as it contains potentially harmful substances. The peel is tough, bitter, and difficult to digest, so it is best to avoid it when eating the fruit raw.

What is the easiest way to remove the edible part of a pomegranate?

The easiest and cleanest method is to submerge the cut pomegranate sections in a bowl of water. The edible arils will sink to the bottom, while the inedible white pith floats to the top, making it simple to separate and drain.

What part of a pomegranate has the most health benefits?

The juicy, red arils are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. While the peel also contains antioxidants, it is not palatable for consumption and is best used as an extract after processing.

Is pomegranate skin poisonous?

Pomegranate skin is not considered poisonous in the same way as a truly toxic plant, but it does contain substances that can cause harm in large quantities and is best avoided. For this reason, and due to its bitter taste, it should not be eaten.

Do I have to chew the seeds or can I just swallow them?

You can do either. The small seeds are soft enough to be chewed and swallowed, adding a pleasant crunch and extra fiber. Some people simply swallow them whole, and this is perfectly safe to do.