My family just came in to a new neighborhood. Two houses away from us is a good old friend who greeted us warmly with her produce: pomegranate fruits fresh from her garden! I want to open the fruits before they decline and preserve its seeds. What is the respective quality time frame if I refrigerate or freeze the seeds?
Whether scooped out from fresh or near-decline pomegranate fruits, you really cannot go wrong when preserving the seeds of this seasonal superfood.
Pomegranate seeds that are removed fresh from fruits may hold well up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months if frozen. Commercial or minimally processed fresh seeds may last longer. Store the seeds only in vapor-proof containers or thick freezer bags. You may pack the seeds as they are or with syrup for richer taste and color.
Can You Freeze Pomegranate Seeds
Frozen and thawed pomegranate seeds may not be as crunchy as fresh ones. You may, however, leave out the thawing process if you want a bite of crisp, crystallized seeds.
The texture of the seeds may have been altered, but the flavor and quality stay the same. As long as proper storage has been executed, its freshness within the time frame shouldn’t be a concern.
Seeds that have become softened and watery due to defrosting are viable for juicing. Ordinarily, the seeds are packed in sweetened or unsweetened syrup when they are frozen for this purpose.
You may toss the frozen seeds directly into any recipe. You may defrost them in room temperature before use or thaw in the fridge overnight.
The frozen seeds may not thaw thoroughly within this period. No matter how, do not try to thaw them under running water as the seeds will surely lose much of their goodness.
Previously frozen seeds must not be put back in the freezer again. Consume them within at least 3 days as they are thawed to reap the maximum quality.
How to Freeze Pomegranate Seeds
You may keep your pomegranate seeds in the freezer for future use in salads, drinks or appetizers with the following storage guidelines:
- Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer
- Choose to freeze seeds that are removed from fairly large, firm and bright-colored fruits
- Freeze initially for up to 3 hours
- Relocate the frozen seeds to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag
- Smooch out any extra air from the freezer bag before zipping it close
- For other purposes, you may freeze the seeds with enhanced color and taste by packing them in a container with 30% syrup
- Prepare the syrup by dissolving 2 cups of sugar in 4 cups of hot water
- Pour the syrup over the seeds in the container as soon as cool enough
- Leave a half-inch headspace before closing the lid
- Label the container and freeze
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Pomegranate Seeds?
Pomegranate seeds are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. But what do you do when you have extra pomegranate seeds? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover pomegranate seeds:
- Add them to your salad – Pomegranate seeds are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your salad. Just add a handful of seeds to your favorite salad, and you’re good to go.
- Use them as a garnish – Pomegranate seeds make a beautiful and tasty garnish for any dish. Just sprinkle them over the top of your favorite food, and you’ll have an instant upgrade.
- Make a fruit salad – Pomegranate seeds are a great addition to any fruit salad. Just add them in with your other favorite fruits, and you’ll have a healthy and delicious dish in no time.
- Add them to yogurt – Pomegranate seeds are also a great way to jazz up your yogurt. Just add a handful of seeds to your favorite yogurt, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy snack in no time.
- Make a pomegranate syrup – Pomegranate syrup is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of pomegranates all year round. To make pomegranate syrup, you will need 1 cup of pomegranate juice, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice. Simply combine the pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the lemon juice and stir until combined. Pour into jars and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This recipe makes about 1 cup of syrup.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover pomegranate seeds. Next time you find yourself with extra fruit, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
This Pomegranate Guacamole is a pomegranate version of the Aztec’s avocado-based salad. Any guacamole salad or dip will look cheerful with the addition of bright red pomegranate seeds in this recipe.
Vivify your wheat salad with this Middle Eastern variation of farro recipe. The vinaigrette is measured to perfection to harmonize with the wholesome mix of tomatoes, pistachios and pomegranate seeds.
Make a nutritious salad with this Spinach-Pomegranate Salad Recipe. Quick and easy to make, the seeds are sprinkled over a scrumptious raw mix of spinach, onions, walnuts, vinaigrette and feta cheese.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze pomegranate seeds. You can use them in chia seed pudding, smoothies, salads, oatmeal, etc. If you plan to use them for smoothies, sprouts or salads then there is no need to thaw them out first. You can add them to a smoothie, oatmeal or sprinkle over a salad. You can freeze pomegranate seeds for up to 1-2 months assuming that you will use them within this period of time. Remove the seeds from their shells, lay down a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper, and then place your seeds on top of it. Put the seeds in a freezer bag and seal them tightly. Label the bag with today’s date.
How do you plan to use your pomegranate seeds? Please share your ideas with me by leaving a comment below!
