If you are looking to eat a fresh pomegranate, the best time to buy them is the end of September through November. You can also find them out of season at your local grocery store or farmers market.
Pomegranates are juicy, sweet fruits with edible seeds packed tightly inside. In their whole-fruit form, pomegranates are low in calories and fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A 1/2-cup serving of seeds contains around 72 calories.
When selecting a pomegranate, look for three main characteristics (shape, weight, color):
Shape
When pomegranates ripen, the fruit’s shape changes. Unripe pomegranates will have a round shape, and ripe pomegranates will be rounded with more straight sides. The skin should be smooth and firm; multiple soft spots signify an overripe pomegranate. Always make sure to check your fruit for brown spots or bruises.
Weight
Select pomegranates that feel heavy, which signals that the fruit is full of fresh seeds and juice. The heavier the pomegranate, the more liquid it contains, so avoid choosing light pomegranates, which may have dried out.
Color
There are a few varieties of pomegranates, and each variety has a different color to it. Ariana pomegranates are deep red, while Golden Globe pomegranates are yellowish. No matter what variety you buy, the color should be bright. Dull-colored skin is a sign of overripened pomegranates. While the shape and weight of the pomegranate are more important than the color, you can still use the color of the fruit as a final indication of its ripeness.
If you are buying pomegranates, it is important to know how to store them. Keeping whole pomegranates at room temperature away from direct sunlight, they will last one to two weeks. If put in the refrigerator, they will last up to two months. If you decide to remove the seeds, they will only last about five days in the fridge. If you want to keep the pomegranate for longer, you can freeze it for up to one year.
Here is how to store pomegranate seeds.
- The first step is to cut the pomegranate. First, cut the fruit in half, starting at the rind or the hard knob that sticks out at the top of the pomegranate. Then cut each half in half again, so you have four pieces.
- Next, you will want to remove the seeds from the internal membrane of the fruit. The best way is to fill a medium bowl with water and put the quartered pomegranate in it. Next, gently separate the seeds with your hands. The water is very helpful in separating the seeds from the membrane because the seeds sink, and the membrane floats.
- You will next want to dry the seeds. Drain the excess water with a strainer and discard the membrane. Lay the seeds onto a paper towel and gently pat them dry.
- Now that the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure to remove all the air from the plastic bag when closing it, as excess air can cause spoilage.
- The pomegranate seeds can now be put in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freezer for up to six months.
Many people also choose to use their pomegranates for juice. This is easily done by crushing or pressing the seeds. One large pomegranate contains one-fourth to one-half cup of juice.
To press seeds, use a sieve or food mill. Another way to get juice from a pomegranate is by using a blender or food processor. You can blend the seeds in batches and then strain the liquid. Make sure to strain the seeds with a double layer of cheesecloth to remove all the seeds from the juice.
To store pomegranate juice, you can either can or freeze it. Freezing is recommended as the juice will hold its color and flavor longer. To freeze, fill containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Label with the date, and store upright until the juice is frozen.
If you want to juice a pomegranate without removing the seeds, you can use a juice press or juicer. Make sure to press, not twist, the fruit. The rind of a pomegranate contains tannin, which can give the juice a bitter taste. Make sure to strain the juice.
Pomegranate works well in sweet and savory dishes. Pomegranate seeds can be sprinkled on fruit salad, yogurt, ice cream, and other desserts for color, flavor, and texture. It is also great as juice and syrup. Make sure you go to your local grocery store and pick some up today!
(Sources: extension.usu.edu; insanelygoodrecipes.com; masterclass.com)