Arils vs. seeds: what’s the difference
The terms get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. The aril is the juicy, translucent red sac, the part you actually eat and taste. Inside every aril is a small, hard seed, which is edible and gets eaten along with the aril in most cases.
When a recipe or product calls for “pomegranate seeds,” it always means the whole aril, juice sac and all, not the tiny hard seed on its own. This is the most common point of confusion for anyone new to the fruit.
What pomegranate arils are good for
Arils are a versatile, ready-to-eat ingredient: no cooking required, and they hold their texture well whether eaten on their own or added to a dish just before serving.
Every pomegranate is known for a variety of polyphenol antioxidants. The ruby red arils have anthocyanins, and the hard rind and white pith have ellagitannins. POM Wonderful® 100% Pomegranate Juice is the perfect way to get the fighting power of both.
Beyond that, arils bring a tart-sweet crunch to sweet and savory dishes alike, which is most of why they show up across so many cuisines.
How to eat pomegranate arils
Eat them straight from the fruit, in a POM arils cup, or in a snack like yogurt. Scatter them over salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or roasted vegetables for a pop of color and flavor. Fold them into salsas or grain bowls where a bright, tart note works well against richer flavors.
The small seed inside each aril is edible and doesn’t need to be removed before eating.
How to store and freeze arils
Fresh arils keep in the refrigerator for about five to seven days in an airtight container. Pat them dry before storing to help prevent excess moisture from shortening their shelf life.
Arils freeze well: spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen arils keep for several months and work well in smoothies straight from the freezer, though they soften once thawed and are best used in cooked or blended applications rather than eaten fresh.
Ready to eat, ready to use
Pomegranate arils are the juicy seed sacs that give the fruit its flavor, color, and texture, distinct from the small hard seed inside each one. Once separated from the rind, they’re ready to eat straight, add to a dish, or freeze for later.
Looking for arils without the prep work? Check out fresh POM Wonderful® Pomegranate Arils, ready to eat straight from the package.
