Homemade Pomegranate Liqueur

Step 3 Crushing the pods and extracting juice

There's no perfect way to accomplish this one, and I've tried, seen, and heard everything from a potato masher to a blender. A food mill is an option, but the seeds are hard to the point that it makes it difficult. Keep in mind that the purpose of this step is to crush the pods so the vodka can infuse through the pomegranates, and not necessarily to fully extract all of the juice. This is the method I prefer:

- Place a fine mesh metal strainer in a plastic or glass bowl.
- Put seed pods into the strainer
- Using a spoon (i personally find slotted works nicely), press the pomegranate seed pods down against the strainer to crush the pods and extract the juice.
- Continue working the pods around the strainer until all the pods are broken.
- Remember to reserve the seeds as well as the juice!

Comments

[ladybanksia99]

I live in a area where pomegranates are plentiful, and have found that when juicing the seeds, it is easier to accomplish this when the seeds are warmed up a little. Soaking them in warm water softens them and releases the juices better. Similar to warming citrus before juicing.