Pomegranates are a delicious and nutritious fruit, bursting with juicy, ruby-red seeds called arils. But picking a ripe pomegranate can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Nobody wants to cut open a fruit only to find it dry or sour! So, how do you know if a pomegranate is ripe? Let’s explore the simple, foolproof ways to choose the best pomegranate every time.
1. Look at the Color
Color is one of the first signs of ripeness. A ripe pomegranate usually has a deep, vibrant red or maroon skin. The greenish hues seen on unripe fruit will have faded away, replaced by rich, uniform red tones. Keep in mind, though, that color alone isn’t a guarantee of ripeness, especially if you’re buying from a store where fruits may be picked early and ripened off the tree.
2. Check the Shape
A ripe pomegranate often loses its perfectly round shape. Instead, it becomes slightly flattened or square-looking on the sides. This change happens because the juicy arils inside press against the skin, causing the fruit to develop subtle ridges or angles. If the pomegranate looks perfectly round and smooth, it might still be unripe.
3. Feel the Weight
Weight is a fantastic indicator of ripeness. A ripe pomegranate feels heavy for its size because it’s full of juicy arils. When you pick up a pomegranate, compare it to others of similar size—the heavier one is usually the juiciest and most ripe. You can even use a scale at the store to weigh your options and pick the heaviest fruit for the best payoff.
4. Test the Skin Texture
The skin texture changes as the pomegranate ripens. Ripe pomegranates have a slightly soft, leathery feel rather than being rock hard. You can try the “fingernail test”: gently scratch the skin with your fingernail. If it leaves a slight mark or scratch, the fruit is ripe. If the skin is too hard to scratch, it’s likely not ready yet. Also, don’t be alarmed if the skin has small cracks or splits—this often means the fruit is bursting with juice inside.
5. Listen for the Sound
Tapping the pomegranate can give you clues about its ripeness. A ripe pomegranate produces a dense, metallic sound when tapped, while an unripe one sounds hollow. This test is especially useful if you have several fruits to compare or if you’re checking fruit still on the tree.
6. Inspect the Crown
Look at the crown (the flower end) of the pomegranate. If the little petal-like parts are slightly turned inward or closed, the fruit is likely ripe. If they’re wide open or sticking out, the pomegranate might not be ready yet.
Bonus Tips for Buying and Storing Pomegranates
– Don’t shy away from blemishes or splits: These are often signs of a juicy, ripe fruit.
– Avoid fruits with green patches: This usually means the fruit is underripe.
– Store whole pomegranates in the fridge: They can stay fresh for up to three months when kept in plastic bags.
– If storing at room temperature: Keep them out of direct sunlight and use within four days.
– Once opened: Store leftover arils in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Why It Matters to Pick a Ripe Pomegranate
Choosing a ripe pomegranate means you’ll enjoy the sweetest, juiciest arils packed with antioxidants and vibrant flavor. Unripe pomegranates tend to be sour, dry, and less enjoyable to eat. Using these simple tips ensures your fruit is ready to eat fresh, juice, or add to your favorite recipes.
Picking a ripe pomegranate is easy once you know what to look for: deep color, slightly flattened shape, heavy weight, leathery skin that passes the fingernail test, and a metallic tap sound. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll always bring home a winner!