Tips on Selecting, Storing, Peeling,
Eating & Cooking Pomegranates!

Selecting Pomegranates

Pomegranates are available in the fall and winter, and can usually be found in most stores from September through January.  Pomegranates are picked ripe and stop ripening as soon as they are picked. 

An average pomegranate weighs about 9 oz.  The skin varies from medium red to a deep red with a leather-like appearance.  Choose pomegranates that are heavy for their size – this means more juice! 

Also, look for blemish-free pomegranates with good color.  Avoid those with dry looking, wrinkled or cracked skin.

Storing Pomegranates

Store whole pomegranates at room temperature and away from sunlight, and they will keep for several days.  Or place in the refrigerator in plastic bags and they will keep for up to three months.

The arils or seed sacs can be refrigerated for up to three days.  You can freeze the arils in single layers on trays and then place in airtight containers and freeze for up to six months.  

Pomegranate juice can be refrigerated for up to three days, and can be frozen for up to six months.

Peeling a Pomegranate

Although it can be a little time consuming, peeling a pomegranate is pretty easy if done properly.

First cut off the crown end and remove some of the white pith.  Make 4 shallow cuts through the skin, cutting from the stem to the crown.  Break the fruit into quarters along the cut lines.  Place the sections in a bowl of water, then roll out the arils (juice sacs) with your fingers.  Strain out the water and discard everything else.  Eat the delicious seeds or use in your favorite dish.

Pomegranate Seeds
To Eat or Not to Eat?

The Pomegranate Council recommends that you eat the arils whole, seeds and all.  You may prefer to spit out the seeds, but remember that that most of the fiber you get from eating pomegranates comes from that little seed.

Cooking Tips

Pomegranate seeds add color, flavor and texture to appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Unsweetened pomegranate juice adds flavor and color to beverages, sauces, and dressings.  Sweetened pomegranate juice can be reduced and turned into a delicious syrup.

An average pomegranate weighs about nine ounces and yields about five ounces of fruit (3/4 cup) and four ounces (1/2 cup) of juice.  For recipes calling for pomegranate juice, you can use juice reamers to obtain the liquid or press the seeds to extract the juice.  Whatever method you choose, keep in mind that pomegranate juice STAINS – hands, clothes, and plastic containers!   You may want to use pure pomegranate juice instead, and leaving the juicing to someone else.

Do use pomegranate arils when recipes call for them.  There is simply no substitute for these little gems, and the extra work will be worth the effort.  Sprinkle over salads or deserts, use as a garnish, or add a few seeds to your favorite beverage.  The possibilities are endless.  Check our recipe page for a few of our favorite recipes.

The edible fruit from one medium pomegranate (five ounces) contains 104 calories, 1.5 g protein, 26.4 g carbohydrates, 9 mg vitamin C and 399 mg potassium.

Decorating With Pomegranates

Pomegranates make lovely holiday decorations.  Whether you use fresh or dried pomegranates, they will add a beautiful and festive touch to centerpieces, fruit bowls, wreaths and garlands.

Dried pomegranates will last for many years.  Simply arrange whole pomegranates in a single layer on a rack. Keep them in a cool place for a few weeks, rotating the fruit periodically to prevent flattening on one side.

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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for treatment of any health problem. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, talk to your doctor before adding pomegranate juice or pomegranate supplements to your regular diet.

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