The pomegranate, a fruit known for its jewel-like, ruby-red seeds called arils, presents a unique challenge to shoppers because its ripeness is not apparent from a simple squeeze or smell. Unlike many other fruits, pomegranates do not continue to ripen after they are harvested, making the selection process at the store the single most important step for quality.
Understanding Peak Seasonality
The best quality pomegranates are always found during their peak harvest period. In the Northern Hemisphere, the fruit is typically in season from late September through early February, spanning the late fall and early winter months. Pomegranates picked outside their optimal season are more likely to have underdeveloped arils that are pale, dry, or overly tart.
Key Sensory Cues for Selection
The most reliable way to determine a pomegranate’s ripeness is through a weight test. A ripe pomegranate should feel noticeably heavy for its size, which is the direct result of the arils being engorged with juice. This substantial heft indicates that the seeds have accumulated their maximum sugar and water content during the final stages of maturation. Conversely, a fruit that feels light suggests the internal arils are drying out or were prematurely picked.
Examine the skin texture and overall shape. The skin should be taut, leathery, and firm to the touch, without any soft spots or signs of bruising. While the color can vary from deep red to reddish-brown depending on the cultivar, the most telling visual cue is the fruit’s shape. A mature pomegranate is rarely a perfect sphere; instead, it tends to have a slightly flattened, angular, or hexagonal shape, which occurs when the fully expanded arils press against the inner wall of the rind.
A fully ripe fruit may even display very faint, superficial cracks on the skin. Avoid any fruit with large, deep cracks or wrinkled, shriveled skin, as this suggests over-maturity or dehydration. Furthermore, avoid any fruit with patches of green, as this definitively indicates it was harvested too early.
Another useful technique is the sound test. A ripe pomegranate, full of liquid-filled arils, will produce a resonant, almost metallic sound. An unripe or dry pomegranate will typically yield a dull, thudding sound. Finally, look at the crown, the small, petal-like formation at the blossom end of the fruit. A ripe pomegranate often has a crown that is firm and intact.
Post-Purchase Handling and Storage
Whole pomegranates have a remarkably long shelf life due to their thick, protective rind.
Whole Fruit Storage
If you plan to use the fruit within a few days, it can be kept on the counter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For longer storage, whole pomegranates should be refrigerated, where they can last for up to one to two months. Placing the fruit in a plastic bag or the crisper drawer can help maintain a more consistent humidity level, preventing the rind from drying out too quickly. It is best to keep them separate from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas.
Aril Storage
If you have already removed the arils, they must be stored differently. The separated arils lose their protective barrier and should be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored this way, they will maintain their freshness and texture for up to one to two weeks. For preservation beyond two weeks, the arils can be frozen, where they will keep for several months. To freeze, spread the arils in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag to prevent clumping.