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How To Make Pomegranate Molasses

Have you ever tried pomegranate molasses? It’s tangy and bright in flavor, and it’s easy to make at home! You can use it for dressings, sauces, or roasts. You can even drizzle it on desserts! I first came across this...

Have you ever tried pomegranate molasses? It’s tangy and bright in flavor, and it’s easy to make at home! You can use it for dressings, sauces, or roasts. You can even drizzle it on desserts!

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses - step-by-step recipe on homemade pomegranate molasses

I first came across this thing called “pomegranate molasses” about 6 years ago when I flipped through the pages of Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Every Day (one of my favorite cookbooks, by the way). It found her recipe for Pomegranate-Glazed Eggplant with Tempeh, and the photo in the cookbook looked so inviting. As I read the ingredients list, I saw pomegranate molasses and thought, “What on earth is that?” Mix pomegranate juice with molasses? That doesn’t sound right.

Everything was going fine, until I bought a bad bottle of pomegranate molasses. I noticed something was wrong when I a batch of muhammara (red pepper dip) and wondered why my dip tasted bitter. Then, I tasted the molasses. Instead of a familiar sweet and tangy taste, the molasses had a bitter finish. I later learned that the bitterness could have come from the manufacturers not separating the pomegranate arils from the rind properly while making the pomegranate juice. Because of that experience, I make my own pomegranate molasses from scratch.

HOW TO MAKE POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

It’s actually quite easy to make. All you do is boil down pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice for about 1 hour, and that’s it. You can use store-bought pomegranate juice to make the molasses. I prefer using fresh pomegranate juice because the color of the molasses will look much brighter (and better for photographs).

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses Recipe How to Make Pomegranate Molasses Recipe

To juice the pomegranate, we’re going to dig into those ruby globes and separate the arils. Find the crown of the pomegranate (the part that’s sticking out). (Did you know that the crown is actually the bottom of the pomegranate?) Holding the paring knife at a diagonal, start cutting underneath the crown. Make a full circle around the crown and remove it. Score the pomegranate.

Pomegranate Molasses Recipe How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

Tear the pomegranate apart into different sections. Remove the arils by prying them loose from the rind. To prevent pomegranate juice from splattering everywhere (because it will), loosen the arils inside a large bowl filled with water.

When you’re done, you’ll notice that most of the seeds have sunken to the bottom of the bowl and the loose membrane will float on the top. Remove any stray pieces of membrane, and drain all the water.

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

Pour the arils into a high-speed blender or food processor, and pulse or gently blend until all the arils have been crushed.

Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer. Use a spatula to press down on the purée so that you can squeeze out as much juice as possible.

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

Right, we now have pomegranate juice. On to making the molasses!

TIPS FOR POMEGRANATE MOLASSES RECIPE

  • You can overcook the molasses: When I was making the video for this, I wasn’t keeping an eye on the molasses carefully and overcooked it. The molasses turned from a beautiful magenta color to brown. Once the molasses cooled, I ended up with a very thick and stiff substance that was very difficult to remove from the jar and difficult to work with. I ended up throwing it all away. The last 10 to 15 minutes of the cooking process are the most critical. You may need to reduce the heat slightly. 
  • How to tell when the molasses is done: After an hour, you’ll notice that the bubbles will start to look thicker at more viscous. That’s a good sign. You want the molasses to be able to coat the back of a spoon (see below). I also like to pour the molasses into a glass measuring jar to see how much liquids I have. Once I’ve boiled everything down to a little over a cup, I’ll stop. This recipe should yield 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of molasses.

RECIPES USING POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Homemade Make Pomegranate Molasses

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses #pomegranaterecipes #glutenfree #vegan

How To Make Pomegranate Molasses

Yield: 1 cup + 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (about one medium lemon)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. When the juice boils, reduce the heat to a medium-low. You should see the liquid boiling very gently in the middle.
  2. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour, uncovered. Stir occasionally to make sure that the sugars don't stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
  3. After 45 minutes of simmering, you'll notice that a lot of liquid has burned off. Reduce the heat very slightly and let it simmer for another 15 minutes or so. Take a spoon and dip it into the molasses. If it coats the spoon, the molasses is done cooking (see photo in blog post for a visual).
  4. Turn off the heat and let it cool for 30 minutes before pouring it into a jar. The mixture will still be runny, but don't worry. The molasses thickens as it cools.
  5. This recipe should yield about 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses. Store the molasses in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Notes

  1. If you are making fresh pomegranate juice, you'll need 6 to 7 large pomegranates to yield 9 cups of arils. Find the crown of the pomegranate (the part that's sticking out). With a paring knife, dig into the part underneath the crown, and make a circular incision. You're removing the crown and a bit of the skin underneath it so that the pomegranate is easier to peel later. Score the pomegranate.
  2. Tear the pomegranate apart into different sections. Remove the arils by prying them loose from the peel. Do this step over a medium bowl filled with water.
  3. When you're done, you'll notice that most of the seeds have sunken to the bottom of the bowl, and the loose membrane will float on the top. It's okay if some of the arils are floating too. Remove any stray pieces of membrane, and drain all the water.
  4. Pour the arils into a high-speed blender or food processor, and purée until the pomegranates look like a smoothie. You may need to do this step in batches.
  5. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer. Use a spatula to press down on the purée so that you can squeeze out as much juice as possible. You should end up with 3 1/2 to 4 cups of pomegranate juice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please tag @hellolisalin on Instagram or leave a rating and comment on the blog!

© Lisa Lin

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

*Note: This recipe was originally published in 2014 and has been republished to updated photos and the headnote.

Lisa Lin Head Shot

Hey, there! I’m Lisa Lin

Here, you’ll find well-tested Asian recipes, pantry guides, and recipes from my sassy mother, Mama Lin. Through my recipes and cooking videos, I hope to honor the food and traditions that surrounded my Chinese American upbringing.

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    • Lisa says

      I’d definitely go for the pomegranate juice if you want to save money. Fresh pomegranates do cost a bit! Let me know how it goes, Rebecca!

      Reply

      • David Lamb says

        I actually have an attachment for my KitchenAid mixer that juces the pomegranate seeds. 100 poms came out to 8 ish gallons of juice. Had to improvise a gallon jug to feed the seeds. Now on to jam and molasses.

        Reply

    • Sharon Jewel says

      store bought pomegranate molasses can be very inexpensive, depending on where you buy it. i have seen it for $2 – $3 in middle eastern grocery stores.
      I am making my own right now because I could not find pomegranate molasses jn my town. An 8 oz bottle of POM was $1.98 and I have to simmer it for one hour. Lots of electricity or gas to simmer something for an hour.
      It’s way more economical to buy it bottled than to make homemade, but I’m sure it will taste better homemade. I am just commenting on your saying that it is more economical to make it yourself.

      Reply

  5. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    I’m fascinated by this! Over the summer I made a quinoa recipe from NY Times’ Recipes for Health that called for pomegranate molasses. I only had plain old molasses and figured it wouldn’t make a difference so I have used that everytime I make the recipe. Now I feel like I’m missing out!! Your pomegranate molasses is gorgeous and looks delish. I don’t think i’m up for the time committment involved in making it though. You may just have to start bottling yours!

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      I have definitely done the same! I’ve cooked the same recipe with pomegranate molasses and molasses, and they definitely tasted different. I should totally bottle up some of this stuff for you. Early Christmas present?

      Reply

    • Lisa says

      Thanks, Julia! Sometimes, I skip the pomegranates because it’s so much effort to get the arils out! I need to eat more of it myself!

      Reply

  8. Maggie @HomeSweetJones says

    This is utterly brilliant. I usually have to make a special trek to the Persian market for pomegranate molasses and not only will this be more convenient, I know it will be more delicious and healthier because it’s made from scratch. I’m going to try it next week in my Rosewater Pomegranate Chicken. Thanks for the fantastic recipe!

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      Thanks, Alice! Between taking the step-by-step photos and actually making this, it definitely took me a while, but it was definitely worth it!

      Reply

  11. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says

    What a creative recipe! I’ve never tasted pomegranate molasses, but you make it sound so decadent and delicious. I love the step by step tutorial for how to get the arils out of pomegranates – I have to admit that i have 4 pomegranates sitting in my bowl right now because I’m too afraid to even BEGIN the task of opening them. Thanks for the tips! 🙂

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      Thanks, Sarah! I get a little lazy with pomegranates sometimes because the juice squirts out everywhere. Hopefully you can minimize some of the mess with these tricks. Oh, you can also pry open the arils under water to lessen the juice squirt-age. 🙂

      Reply

  13. Tash says

    Oh my goodness, this sounds amazing! Pomegranate with molasses – or molasses with pomegranate?!!? It would make an amazing coffee stirrer!

    Reply

  18. Maggie says

    Wow, I never thought I can make pomegranate molasses at home! I got a bottle from supermarket last year when i visited Turkey. I only cooked with it once and the flavor is not as great as I expected. Really want to try the homemade version some time. It looks much better than the one from the market 🙂
    I didn’t find a lot of recipes online that use pomegranate molasses. Looking forward to more recipe on how to use it 🙂

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      I definitely think that the homemade version tastes soo much better. I just made caramelized brussels sprouts with them, but I don’t know if they have it in Beijing. Something worth trying might be roasting eggplant (the Asian kind) and potatoes together and adding a bit of this pomegranate molasses in it!

      Reply

  19. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    Not even kidding you here- australia is OBSESSED with Pomegranate molasses as in- every ‘shique’ restaurant incorporates it somehow. The thing is- you can’t buy it anywhere! Promise I’ll make it when I’m back on home soil.

    Speaking of which- I’m kinda mad we didn’t hang out!

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      You have to tell me what you think of the pom molasses!!

      Also, Yes, it’s sooo sad that we didn’t get to meet up! You need to swing by the Bay Area the next time you’re around!

      Reply

  20. Beth (OMG! Yummy) says

    Saying hi from SITS! I have another project for you now – make your own date syrup!!! It’s a perfect substitute for maple syrup or honey. Recently I used it, along with pomegranate molasses on a roasted delicata squash that I finished with fresh arils. Love your brussels sprouts recipe! I run a virtual cooking community called Tasting Jerusalem that is ingredient driven – we’ve done pomegranate molasses and date syrup. Come say hi – the group is on FB, G+, PInterest as Tasting Jerusalem or at the hashtag #tastingjrslm on Twitter and Instagram.

    Reply

  22. Karrie says

    Lisa help! I just finished last night and my molasses didn’t thicken up like the picture. I brought itvto a boil and left it on med/high for an hour….? Maybe with my old stove it didn’t get hot enough long enough? Help!

    Reply

    • Lisa says

      Hi Karrie! The molasses starts to thicken once it cools off. While the molasses is still over heat, it will still be quite runny. What is the consistency of the molasses like today?

      Reply

        • Lisa says

          And how much of the molasses did you end up with when you finished the recipe? About a cup? If you have a lot of leftovers, you could pop it back into your saucepan again over medium heat and add a little bit more sugar (about 2 tablespoons or so), and cook it until the molasses is about the consistency of a thick cough syrup. Then, turn the heat off and let it cool. Does that make sense?

          Reply

          • Karrie says

            Yes….that was my thought…..I’ll heat it up again. I definitely had more than a cup! Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day. 🙂

  24. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    In my search for homemade grenadine, I found I needed pomegranate molasses. I googled it and I was excited to find you have a recipe! So, I’ve made it and it smells divine. In the refrigerator it goes to thicken, then I will be on my way to one fresh margarita! Thank you for this, Lisa! So happy to make this from your recipe! xo 😀

    Reply

  25. Shera Melson says

    After cutting the pomegranate, try getting the arils out by holding them under the water in the bowl. Less mess.

    Reply

  28. Barbara G says

    I accidentally found your recipe after not finding the syrup locally. I googled it, after looking for it in Amazon, where they ranged from $8 to $30 for similar amounts. (around 10 oz) So I had no idea if the cheaper ones were any good or the highest ones were just way over-prices.
    Since I now live in small-town, middle of nowhere, and it’s still late winter, do you recommendation brands of the juice, or can one get it as frozen concentrate?

    Then once I make it, would you please list a few dishes, other than deserts, you’d use it on.

    Thanks for the recipe, photos and your replies to comments, that I found very healthful too.

    Reply

    • Barbara G says

      I want to try this recipe. I just saw Pom powder online. Do you know anything about it? Would this be a good alternative to make the boiling process shorter. ?

      Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Hi, Barbara! I don’t think it’s really necessary to get the $30 bottles. Is R.W. Knudsen one of the brands you see on Amazon? The juice is made from concentrate, but it does the job. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  29. Dilushani says

    If i only wanted enough to use this in a muhammara dip would 1 pomegranate be enough?
    Can this be made with a refined sugar alternative?
    How long can you store this for for?
    Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Hi, Dave. You can leave out the lemon juice, but the sugar is what helps thicken the pomegranate juice so that the molasses has the syrup consistency. If you reduce pomegranate juice by itself, the liquid will get darker, but it won’t thicken.

      Reply

      • Lynn Hobeika says

        Hello, I’ve been doing pomegranate molasses at home for years without lemon or sugar, it thickens so well all alone, and the end color is just sublime. the same Ruby color you have in your pictures. Pomegranate Molasses Color gets darker depending on the color of the arils.
        I believe that pomegranate fruit is sour enough on its own. But if you want to make it less sour you can add one or two sweet pomegranates instead of sugar.
        Hope this helps

        Reply

  32. Boris says

    Made one change: cook it down without sugar and then add sugar in the last 15 min. That way I don’t have to check so often.

    Reply

  34. Esnehar Lalanne says

    How long does the molasses keep for?
    In the fridge or cupboard?
    How long should I wait until storing it? and should I be storing it or anything while I wait?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Hi, Esnehar! Store this in a tight jar in the fridge. Because of the high sugar content, it should keep for up to 2 months.

      Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Hi, Poonam. Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I have no idea what happened. Somehow the recipe disappeared! Thankfully, I had a backup of the recipe, and I have added it back into the post. Thanks again!

      Reply

  37. Birdy says

    hello! Thanks for posting this recipe, can’t wait to try it! Just wanted to leave a tip for people who are concerned about shelf life- add 2 oz vodka to the finished room temperature product, & it’ll extend the shelf life greatly! (1 oz for small batches)

    Reply

  38. Irene Findley says

    Tried this recipe tonight. Unfortunately, I think I overcooked it because as it is cooling – it’s becoming a pretty thick and stiff. Will put it in the fridge until I use it this weekend. Should I microwave it to soften it ?
    It tastes great but it seemed to go from liquid to “Oops” very quickly. I cooked it for at least 1.5 hours.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  39. KL says

    Looking forward to trying this out. If we leave out the sugar and add just lime, would it taste okay and would the final consistency be different ?

    Reply

    • Lisa Lin says

      Hi, KL. If you leave out the sugar, I don’t think you’ll get the same thick syrup consistency.

      Reply

  40. Jennifer macrostie says

    The flavor of this was amazing. Will never buy the stuff again. I didn’t make as much as recipe suggested but think mine were a little under ripe. However have nothing but trees dripping with fruit so will make more. Thank you

    Reply

  41. Jen says

    We just picked and juiced pomegranates at a farm yesterday and ended up with almost 4 gallons of juice! Pomegranate molasses for everyone this Christmas!
    Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

  42. Kristen says

    Procrastinated on ordering pomegranate molasses and no grocers in my small town carry it unfortunately. Googled and am very happy to have found your recipe! Made with POM 100% pomegranate juice and it tastes like the real deal with the added bonus of that gorgeous color! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Reply

  44. Cathy says

    This was super easy to make. I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. It came out so good. I used Langer’s 100% pomegranate juice. I’ll always make my own. Thank you!

    Reply

  45. Anne Marie McCormack says

    I was thinking of putting this up (canning jars) and am concerned that processing it will continue to cook it and turn the beautiful color to brown. Thoughts on that? Or would freezing be better?

    Reply

  46. Kai says

    I tried to make this and the liquid reduced during the hour it simmered but the juice didn’t thicken even after days in the fridge, Im not sure what I could have done wrong I followed the recipe exactly except for cutting the servings in half. Would adding some sort of starch/flour slurry work or can i put it back in a saucepan and simmer it with more sugar?

    Reply
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