Pomegranates are not only beautiful with their jewel-like seeds but also packed with sweet, tart juice that makes them a favorite for snacking and cooking. But how do you know when a pomegranate is ripe and ready to enjoy? Picking the right fruit can be tricky, but with a few easy tips, you’ll be able to select the best pomegranates every time.
5 Key Signs to Spot a Ripe Pomegranate
1. Color
A ripe pomegranate typically has a deep, rich color that ranges from medium to dark red. If you’re picking fruit straight from the tree, avoid any with green patches, as those are unripe. In stores, most pomegranates are picked when ripe, but the deeper and more uniform the red, the better.
2. Shape
Forget about perfectly round pomegranates. The ripest ones tend to have a slightly flattened or angular shape, especially around the stem and blossom ends. This more square-like appearance means the fruit has swollen with juice inside and is ready to eat.
3. Weight
Weight is one of the best indicators of ripeness. A ripe pomegranate feels heavy for its size because it’s full of juicy seeds inside. When shopping, pick up a few and choose the heaviest one. If you want to be sure, use the store’s scale to compare weights—the heavier, the juicier.
4. Skin Texture
The skin of a ripe pomegranate should feel firm and leathery but not rock hard. You can do the “fingernail test” by gently scratching the skin. If the skin gives a little or scratches easily, it’s ripe. Don’t worry if the skin has small cracks or splits; this often means the fruit is bursting with juice and perfectly ripe.
5. Sound Test
If you tap a pomegranate, a ripe one will sound dense and full. An unripe pomegranate tends to have a hollow sound. This trick is especially useful if you’re picking fruit directly from the tree.
Should a Pomegranate Be Hard or Soft?
A ripe pomegranate is generally hard and plump, not soft or mushy. The firmness means the seeds inside are juicy and fresh. Even if the skin looks a bit leathery or has some cracks, the fruit is likely bursting with flavor. Avoid pomegranates that feel too soft or shriveled, as they may be overripe or spoiled.
The “Tug Test” for Tree Pickers
If you’re lucky enough to pick pomegranates from a tree, try the “tug test.” A ripe pomegranate will detach easily with a gentle tug. If you have to pull hard, it’s probably not ready yet.
How to Store Your Ripe Pomegranate
Once you’ve picked the perfect pomegranate, store it whole in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to three months. If you plan to eat it soon, you can keep it on the counter away from direct sunlight for about four days. Once opened, the seeds (arils) can be refrigerated for up to three days.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Pomegranate
Pomegranates are incredibly versatile. You can simply crack one open and enjoy the seeds as a snack, toss them into salads, or use the juice in cooking and cocktails. The juice is also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support heart health and more.
Try mixing pomegranate seeds into a grain salad with feta cheese or use pomegranate molasses to make a flavorful glaze for meats like lamb. The sweet-tart flavor adds a unique twist to many dishes and drinks.
Picking a ripe pomegranate is all about looking for deep color, a slightly square shape, heavy weight, firm but scratchable skin, and a dense sound. With these tips, you’ll never bring home a disappointing fruit again!