Pomegranates still need to be washed even though they have a thick skin that is discarded.
Pomegranates are a type of berry that have a thick, protective exterior similar to a cantaloupe or melon. Even though pomegranates have an inedible peel that protects them from most dirt and pesticides, you still need to wash them before eating them.
Pesticides
All commercial produce is sprayed with pesticides to prevent insects from eating the crops. Most of the pesticide residue remains on the skin of the fruit, but some can still contaminate the pulp. Rinsing a pomegranate under running water is the best way to get rid of the pesticide.
Germs and Bacteria
Bacteria and germs from your hands can contaminate the pomegranate berries while you are handling them. Place the berries in a colander and rinse them under running water before serving.
Cleaning a Pomegranate
Cut the pointy tip of the pomegranate off. Make a 1/4-inch insertion into the skin with a knife, and cut along the skin in a circle. Place the pomegranate in a large bowl full of water and begin to split the pomegranate open. Start to peel the skin off and scrape the berries out with your hands. The berries will sink to the bottom of the bowl, but the unwanted skin and membrane will float to the top. Gently pour the water out of the bowl so nothing but the berries are left. Rinse the berries under cold water until they are clean, then place them in a strainer to dry.
Commercial Produce Washes
Commercial produce washes an be purchased at the store or online. Many people are skeptical of because they only remove dirt from the outside of the fruit. The ingredients in produce washes are safe, such as baking soda, ethyl alcohol and citric acid, but the FDA does not recommend the use of these products.
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