10 hacks for the fruit with the red jewels

• Pomegranate arils plain, in sauce or as juice

Pomegranate arils are tasty on their own, in fruit salad or as a decorative topping. They also pair well with savoury dishes such as lamb or game. For a flavourful sauce, sauté the arils with shallots and a little honey. Then deglaze with wine and stock and reduce the sauce.

• Pomegranate juice as a dressing substitute

The sweet‑tart juice is a good alternative to lemon juice in salad dressings. Make sure to buy pure juice without additives or press the juice yourself to retain full flavour and nutrient quality.

• Proper storage

At room temperature pomegranates stay fresh for about two to three weeks; in the vegetable drawer of the fridge or in a cool, humid space they can keep for several months. They do not continue to ripen after harvest.

• Efficient deseeding steps

Cut out a wedge at the calyx, break the fruit open over a bowl and remove the arils. Remove the bitter, pale membranes for better flavour.

• Deseed under water to avoid splashes 

Detach the arils under water. The arils sink, the membranes float. This reduces splashing and lets you easily strain off the membranes afterwards.

• Drink the juice straight from the fruit

Roll the fruit several times while pressing it on the work surface and pierce a hole in the skin. The juices that form between the arils can then be sipped directly with a straw — a fun trick, especially for kids.

• Protect against stains

The red juice splashes easily and leaves stubborn stains. Wear an apron when juicing and work carefully, especially with light clothing.

• Beware of pomegranate syrup

Many commercial syrups contain no real juice but sugar, flavourings, colourings and acidifiers. Check the label if you want genuine pomegranate flavour.

• Culinary pairing ideas

Use the balance of acidity and sweetness, for example, for Turkish lamb pizza, Moroccan spinach salad or Algerian‑style tuna fillet. The fruit also works well with wild boar medallions, salads with sheep's cheese or beef skewers with asparagus.

• Know and choose available formats

There are fresh fruits, juices, concentrates, extracts and seed oil — each form has pros and cons. Choose according to need: fresh arils for texture, concentrate for a higher polyphenol density or extracts for targeted intake.