Pomegranate juice has been a health food hit for awhile now, but how often do you toss a raw pomegranate in your grocery cart? The Pomegranate Council -- yes, there's a council -- shares all sorts of cool facts about this ancient fruit. Now's a good time to try a pomegranate, the California's Wonderful variety is in season now through January.

The fun part lies in figuring out how to actually eat those raw aril seeds bursting with pomegranate juice. Whether using the traditional or fanning no-mess methods, you can scoop out the seeds without turning your fingertips into a red-stained mess.

Once you have a pile, how many calories are actually in a half cup of pomegranate seeds?


A half-cup of pomegranate arils has a low 80 calories, mostly from sugary carbs. If you crunch down the entire seed, you'll also swallow an amazing five grams of fiber, along with juice boasting three powerful antioxidants -- tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Zero fat, too.

Hmm, a cancer and disease-fighting fruit loaded with fiber and low in calories. It might take some work to corral the seeds, but not every healthy snack should be grab n' go. If it's just the juice you're after, check out these juicer, blender and rolling methods to drain it right.

And more good news, Luna now offers a Berry Pomegranate Cookie.