How To Properly Freeze Pomegranate Seeds For Later Use

Pomegranate season comes and goes too quickly. From September to November,this seedy fruit is at its sweetest. Of course, the pomegranate has a long shelf life, so while their season is quick, you can find them in grocery stores throughout the year. It's seeds are perfect in a salad, as a snack, or, if you want to borrow a couple pages from Padma Lakshmi, as a topping on peanut butter toast or for added texture with sautéed zucchini. Pomegranates are a powerhouse fruit. 

When you crack one of these babies open, there are hundreds of fruity and juicy seeds that can add a sweet and sour component to a number of dishes. You can use it to make a pomegranate barbecue sauce for a winter soiree, a chai pomegranate pudding, or even in Ina Garten's pomegranate spritzer. This fruit is both delicious and versatile. Of course, chances that you will be able to use all the pomegranate seeds in a single sitting, may not be realistic. The great news is your freezer can help you preserve this precious fruit so you can enjoy them in another meal or drink — and the process is easier than you can imagine. 

Freezing your pomegranate seeds is one of the easiest ways to preserve them for use beyond their intended season. Flash freezing is, perhaps, the quickest and most efficient method to do just that. To do so, you simply need a sheet pan, some parchment paper, and a couple of hours of patience. Within two to three hours your pomegranate seeds should be frozen and ready to store in a freezer safe container or Ziplock bag. The beauty of freezing pomegranate seeds this way is that the seeds will not clump together.

Before you freeze your pomegranate seeds, you will need to cut your pomegranate into sections and let them soak in some cold water to loosen up the seeds. Once done, rinse the seeds under cold water to get rid of any excess white pith. Once done, you will need to thoroughly dry the seeds, preferably with a paper towel. Frozen pomegranate seeds have a long shelf life and last for up to six months. When you are ready to use this fruit, it takes but a few minutes to allow them to thaw and reach room temperature.

If you are looking for a way to stretch pomegranate season so you can enjoy this fruit in your smoothies, salads, and baked goods, try flash freezing.