How To Identify A Ripe Pomegranate? Easy Signs To Look For

For centuries, people have enjoyed pomegranates for their unique taste and remarkable health benefits. But it's not always easy to choose a good pomegranate. There's nothing like the disappointment of bringing a pomegranate home and discovering it lacks flavour, is dry or is bruised. Learning how to find a better quality pomegranate is not difficult if you have the right knowledge and practice. If you understand the key features of a good pomegranate, you will learn how to choose a pomegranate that suits your taste and take advantage of all of its nutritional benefits. Here, we've compiled some easy signs that you should look for while buying pomegranates from the market.

Ways To Choose A Ripe Pomegranate

Check Colour

In determining if a pomegranate is ripe, look for the colour of the skin. Skin colour depends on the variety of the pomegranate but most common pomegranates will be red or dark red and heirloom pomegranates often present as pinkish, yellowish or even slightly greenish. Ripe pomegranates have full, rich colours.

Look For Shape

The shape of a ripe pomegranate can sometimes be misleading. Rather than searching for a flawlessly spherical shape, seek out pomegranates that appear slightly angular or boxy. Pomegranates with flat sides and a squared-off feel are typically bulging with plump arils while a perfectly round shape might indicate that the arils are underdeveloped and the pith is too much.

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Check The Weight

Another way to evaluate how juicy a pomegranate will be is to consider its weight. Heavier pomegranates tend to be juicier and lighter ones are likely to be old and dried out or unripe. This simple test will allow you to choose a juicy, flavourful pomegranate.

Tips to pick the right pomegranate (Image Credits: Canva)

Press The Skin

To determine if a pomegranate is ripe, gently press the surface of its skin. A ripe pomegranate has smooth, taut skin that feels leathery and firm. If you pick it up and there are soft or squishy spots, then it is going to be overripe. If it feels like a rock, then it is not ready to eat.

Sound Test

Hold the pomegranate to your ear and tap it lightly. A ripe pomegranate creates a faint metallic "ting" or high-pitched sound which means the arils are firm and full. If you hear a dull thud, this means the pomegranate is overripe or damaged.

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Check The Crown

A pomegranate's crown (or blossom end) provides evidence of its freshness. A good-quality, fresh pomegranate has a dry, firm crown that is the same or slightly darker than the skin which indicates that it is ripe and has minimal moisture.