How to dry pomegranate and prepare dried pomegranate at home
The properties of pomegranate are so many that it is worth consuming it in different ways. One way to preserve pomegranates for a long time is to dry them. You can use dried pomegranate at any time of the year. Join us in this article to learn about the properties of dried pomegranate and how to dry it.
Pomegranate is one of the most delicious and unique fruits that you can use in different forms such as fresh pomegranate, pomegranate juice, pomegranate juice, pomegranate jam, pomegranate paste, pomegranate vinegar, and dried pomegranate. The properties of pomegranate are so many that it is worth consuming it in different ways. Dried pomegranate seeds are very similar to dried barberry seeds and can give a special color and aroma to your dishes as a spice. In this article we will teach you how to dry whole pomegranate and pomegranate seeds for decoration.
Properties of dried pomegranate
As you know, the pomegranate harvest season is short and lasts from mid-autumn to mid-winter. As a result, you may not be able to benefit from its unique health properties such as the highly beneficial antioxidants and vitamins present in this fruit in all seasons of the year.
One way to help you use pomegranate seeds for a longer period of time is to make dried pomegranates. You might occasionally buy a pomegranate and eat some of it, and the rest just spoil and throw away. By learning how to dry a pomegranate, you can easily save the rest of the pomegranate and use it for other purposes.
How to dry pomegranates with a fruit dryer
When you want to dry pomegranate seeds, you must first be careful to use suitable work clothes or an apron so as not to stain your clothes with pomegranate juice. The steps to prepare dried pomegranate are:
1. Clean the pomegranate
It is very important to wash all fruits before cutting their skin to reduce the possibility of pathogenic bacteria entering the body. If you don't wash the pomegranate, any blight will be carried inside through the knife when cutting.
2. Cut off the top of the pomegranate
Cut off a piece from the top of the pomegranate until enough of the seeds are exposed so that you can see the normal parts of the pomegranate.
3. Cut the pomegranate into pieces
You can make the required cuts from the marked lines on top of the pomegranate. Then slowly separate its parts. Then remove the milky parts between the seeds.
4. Remove the seeds by tapping on the back of the pomegranate peel
Turn the pomegranate over onto a bowl with your hands and press down on the skin lightly with a wooden spoon. The pomegranate seeds will begin to fall out without breaking. If you notice that the pomegranate seeds have stopped coming out, turn it over and make sure all parts are free and all seeds have been removed. You can also do it with your hands, but the possibility of crushing pomegranate seeds increases. It is best to do this in a basket and put a bowl under it so that if water comes out of the seeds, it can be poured into it. You can also use this water for pomegranate syrup.
5. Spread the seeds on the dried fruit trays
Place the parchment paper in the dehydrator trays so that the juice from the pomegranate seeds does not stain the mesh tray. Spread them out as much as you can.
6. Set the dryer to 65°C.
The time to prepare dried pomegranates is relative and can vary depending on how juicy the pomegranates are, but you can expect it to take at least 12 hours or more. Turn the seeds upside down every two hours or slightly more so that they dry evenly.
7. Dehydration test
Dry pomegranate seeds will not be sticky. So if the seeds are sticky, it means they are still wet and not completely dry.
8. Save the dried pomegranate seeds
Pomegranate seeds can be stored in airtight containers for up to six months if dried properly and completely.
Dry the pomegranate in the sun
All procedures for cleaning and removing pomegranate seeds for drying in the sun are the same as the steps described in the previous section. However, instead of putting the pomegranate seeds in the dried fruit, if you have a suitable and clean place, you can put it in the sun during the day and it is preferable to place it in a place shaded by the sun, and at night to prevent insects from entering it, put the pomegranate inside and bring it home. Seeds naturally with sun longer than the fruit drying time may take a few days depending on the moisture content of the pomegranate seeds.
Oven dried pomegranate seeds preparation
You can also dry pomegranate seeds in the oven. To dry fruit in a microwave oven, the oven temperature must be low enough so that you can easily put a hot dish in it without burning. It is also better to leave the oven door half open. Every two hours, turn the seeds upside down so that all parts dry evenly.
How to dry pomegranate suitable for decoration
Another great idea during the pomegranate harvest season is preparing whole dried pomegranates, which are often used in many decorative dishes, especially on Yalda night. For this, you can choose pomegranates of different sizes. Small pomegranates usually dry earlier and are more beautiful. You do not need to do anything special to dry a whole pomegranate and place it behind a window in the house where the sun will shine indirectly for a while.
Direct sunlight causes it to change colour. If you do not have a suitable light-reflecting part at home, you can use dried fruit or place it at room temperature where it is dry and there is no moisture that will cause the pomegranate to rot. However, you will have to be more patient for the whole pomegranate to dry out.
Can dried pomegranate seeds be made into powder?
Many people have a habit of crushing dried fruits or dried vegetables to make it easier to use as a spice when using them in food and to keep a larger size of them in a smaller space. Although there is no problem with dried pomegranate seeds if they are powdered, they are difficult to grind due to their small size. On the other hand, eating pomegranate seeds in their powder can make it taste bitter.
What are the uses of dried pomegranate seeds?
Pomegranate contains antioxidant properties that are very beneficial to the body and is rich in vitamins that the body needs, which are also found in dried pomegranate. You can use dried pomegranate seeds as a spice in all kinds of foods. Also, the following ways are great suggestions for using pomegranate seeds:
Sprinkle over the salad.
Use as a topping on chicken salad or other types of mixed salads.
Add yogurt as an addition.
You can eat it like barberry with rice and chicken.
You can use it as a spice in all kinds of foods and stews.
The conclusion
Dried pomegranates are one of the best ways to preserve pomegranate seeds and take advantage of the benefits of this delicious fruit all year round. You can easily dry a good amount of pomegranate seeds and store them in airtight jars for up to six months. Using these dry seeds as a spice is very attractive. You can also dry the whole pomegranate for decoration, which is what we told you in this article, and we hope you enjoyed it.
