Australian TalesAustralian TalesAustralian Tales
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Facts
  • Food
  • Health
  • Fashion
Australian TalesAustralian Tales
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Facts
  • Food
  • Health
  • Fashion
Search
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Facts
  • Food
  • Health
  • Fashion
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
poemgranate
Food

How to Choose Pomegranates? – 10 Tips You Should Know!

Last updated: 2024/02/29 at 6:56 PM
By C.Sikta
Share
14 Min Read
Image Source: pexels
SHARE

Choosing the right pomegranates for your everyday use can be quite tricky if you don’t have basic knowledge about it, but do not worry. This article has you covered and you can still learn how to choose pomegranates that are fresh and delicious. 

Contents
1. What is a Pomegranate?2. Common Ways Pomegranates are Eaten2.1. Having it Fresh 2.2. Beverages2.2.1. Juice 2.2.2. Cocktails2.2.3. Tea2.3. Salads2.4. Sauces2.5. Desserts and Sweets2.6. Chutneys2.7. Smoothie Bowls2.8. Used in Indian Dishes2.8.1. Dahi Vada2.8.2. Bhel Puri2.8.3. Pomegranate Raita2.8.4. Fruit Chaat2.8.5. Pomegranate Lassi3. How to Choose Pomegranates?3.1. Inspecting the Color 3.2. How to Choose Pomegranates?: Weight Matters3.3. Texture Matters3.4. Glossy Skin3.5. Check the Skin3.6. How to Choose Pomegranates?: Examine the Crown3.7. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Sound3.8. Fragrance Check3.9. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Considering the Season3.10. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Shape Matters4. Conclusion: How to Choose Pomegranates?

Pomegranates are highly regarded as nature’s edible jewels because of their beautiful ruby-like red arils. These arils are actually the seeds of the pomegranates that we eat.

In this article, you are going to learn all the tips and tricks to pick the tastiest pomegranates out there. It’s simpler than you think it is.

So, let’s get started on the journey to explore more about pomegranates and select the best one out of them.

1. What is a Pomegranate?

Before starting this journey of selection, let’s explore more about pomegranates.

Pomegranates are round, red-colored fruits filled with small juicy, and tart seeds.

80396
Image by stockking on Freepik

As said before, these seeds are called arils. The arils of pomegranates are not only tasty with their burst of sweet-tart flavor but also are rich in nutrients. 

Moreover, pomegranates are widely known for their fresh and unique taste.

Pomegranates are packed with various nutrients, antioxidants and loaded with vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K, fiber, folate, iron, potassium, and so on.

2. Common Ways Pomegranates are Eaten

Pomegranates being a versatile fruit can be used in different types of cuisines or dishes.

Below are some ways pomegranates are used:

2.1. Having it Fresh 

Deseed or pop all the arils out of the fruit and eat them as a snack. Also, enjoy the juicy and sweet-tart taste of the fruit.

82949
Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

2.2. Beverages

Pomegranates are widely used in an array of beverages all around the world. Some of them are:

2.2.1. Juice

Pomegranate has always been a popular choice among people when it comes to juice.

Whether a pomegranate smoothie or a pomegranate-based delicious juice, people all around the world prefer either.

12584
Image by Racool_studio on Freepik

 2.2.2. Cocktails

Additionally, pomegranates are one of the famous ingredients in alcohol.

This is because of the refreshing flavor and the vibrant red hue it gives to the drink.

5427
Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

2.2.3. Tea

Tea from pomegranates is amazing and yummy. Also, being a caffeine-free drink, it can be enjoyed both cold or hot.

23236
Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

2.3. Salads

The arils of this citrus fruit add a burst of flavor as well as color when added to the salads.

Whether a green salad or a grain-filled salad, it suits both of them.

124682
Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

2.4. Sauces

Pomegranates are used in some cuisines to add a sweet and some tinge of tangy flavor to the sauces and marinades.

However, Ttese are most specifically used in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

5811
Image by timolina on Freepik

2.5. Desserts and Sweets

The arils of pomegranates make a delectable topping for desserts and can be used as a topping for tarts, pies, cakes, and pastries.

Be it an ice cream, pudding, or simply a yogurt, just de-seed the arils from the fruit and then it can be added to them.

58931
Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

Some Indian snacks also include pomegranate seeds or arils as an ingredient for their dishes.

2.6. Chutneys

The seeds of this fruit can also be used for making a huge variety of chutneys and paste, providing a unique twist to any dish. 

2.7. Smoothie Bowls

Also, pomegranate seeds are also a great companion to the currently famous dish, smoothie bowls.

The seeds or arils of this fruit can be used to decorate the large bowl as well as to elevate the deliciousness of the smoothie bowls.

2148197878
Image by freepik

2.8. Used in Indian Dishes

This versatile fruit is used in a variety of Indian snacks to add sweetness and tanginess to the dish.

These are most commonly used in recipes:

2.8.1. Dahi Vada

Dahi Puri is simply a type of chaat that is made up of donut-shaped balls and yogurt mixed with various chutneys and spices.

The balls are filled with yogurt which is generally sweet. Dahi means “curd” in India.

Here, pomegranate seeds are added for the taste and to elevate the presentation of the dish.

2148566857
Image by freepik

2.8.2. Bhel Puri

This dish is made up of puffed rice, chutneys, and a variety of vegetables.

Also, the arils are most often de-seeded and sprinkled on top of it to enhance the taste.

2.8.3. Pomegranate Raita

Pomegranate raita is not a traditional snack or a main course dish, but a great side dish that is served with different Indian meals.

This recipe is made up of yogurt, arils, some spices, and herbs mixed together and it has a refreshing taste of its own.

2.8.4. Fruit Chaat

It is a popular dessert, somewhat similar to a salad. This Indian recipe is made up of different fruits mixed with spices and yogurt (which is optional).

35102
Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

Pomegranate seeds or arils are added because this contributes a sweet and tangy flavor to the chaat.

2.8.5. Pomegranate Lassi

Though this is not a snack, this is an amazing Indian non-alcoholic drink.

The seeds of the pomegranate or pomegranate juice are combined with curd or yogurt to make this drink.

This yogurt-based drink is always a refreshing option during hot days.

3. How to Choose Pomegranates?

To enjoy one of the juiciest and tastiest pomegranates, it is essential to have a general knowledge of how to choose ripe pomegranates, that are flavorful. 

14729
Image by stockking on Freepik

The selection of the correct, ripe pomegranate is done the same way we pick other fruits like bananas, avocados, mangoes, oranges, apples, strawberries, and so on.

3.1. Inspecting the Color 

Go for a pomegranate that is deep red and consistent in color.

The pomegranates whose skins are dark shades of red, and reddish-pink and are heavily rich in these colors are perfectly ripe.

Remember to avoid the pomegranates with pale, green, or yellowish patches, as they may either be under-ripe or overripe. 

20981
Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

3.2. How to Choose Pomegranates?: Weight Matters

Choose a pomegranate and feel its weight. Moreover, if a pomegranate feels heavy then, it has a higher juice content.

The heavier ones are generally juicier. Additionally, opt. medium-sized pomegranates. This is because they tend to be juicier than any other smaller ones.

An unripe pomegranate always feels light when held. 

130
Image by 8photo on Freepik

For a more perfect pomegranate bowl, carefully hold several pomegranates of similar size and then choose the heaviest one from them.

3.3. Texture Matters

Hold a pomegranate gently and then run your fingers over its surface. If the surface is smooth then, the pomegranate is perfectly ripe.

On the other hand, if the surface feels bumpy and rough to your fingers then, avoid them.

This is because these pomegranates may have some quality issues.

6422 1
Image by stockking on Freepik

3.4. Glossy Skin

Pick a pomegranate whose surface is glossy, as this indicates that it is a ripe fruit.

Also, avoid eating pomegranates that look dull and dry as these might be dehydrated or have past their prime.

141841
Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

3.5. Check the Skin

Another easiest method to choose the correct pomegranate is by examining the skin of the fruit thoroughly. 

Gently squeeze a pomegranate. If the pomegranate skin is firm but not too tough like a rock.

It yields slightly to pressure but is not too mushy, then the pomegranate is correctly ripened. Simply, remember that the leathery skin of the fruit is the skin of ripeness.

2148851896
Image by freepik

Additionally, avoid pomegranates that are too tough or hard-like rock, as these might be underripe.

Also, avoid cooking or eating those whose skin has any bruises or wrinkles, as they might be aged.

3.6. How to Choose Pomegranates?: Examine the Crown

Check the crown of the pomegranate, where the stem of the fruit is attached to the pomegranate tree. 

270
Image by valeria_aksakova on Freepik

Go for a pomegranate whose crown is dry and attached firmly. 

Avoid the ones whose crown is green or moist, as these may indicate that the pomegranate is underripe. The moist or soft crowns also are the signs of decay.

3.7. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Sound

For making a sound test, carefully and gently tap on the fruit’s surface with your knuckles. 

17757
Image by lookstudio on Freepik

After tapping, if it makes a hollow and clear sound just like a drum, then the pomegranate is a ripe one and if it sounds dull, then the fruit might be under-ripe or completely dry.

3.8. Fragrance Check

Another way to check the fruit’s ripeness is by doing a fragrance check. 

To do that, hold a pomegranate, bring it to your nose, and smell it. If it produces a fruity and subtle fragrance, then it is one of the ripest pomegranates.

But if the pomegranate is odorless, then it is possible that the fruit is not fully ripe.

6418
Image by stockking on Freepik

3.9. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Considering the Season

Pomegranate season generally comes in between the late summer and early winter.

These are the times this fruit grows the best. Picking pomegranates at the time of their peak season increases the chances of getting a ripe and juicy fruit.

105255
Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

3.10. How to Choose Pomegranates? : Shape Matters

Remember that the ripe pomegranates are most likely round and plump.

So, when holding a pomegranate, carefully check if it feels perfectly round and symmetrical. 

An uneven and irregular shape indicates that the fruit may either be not fully ripe or contain some quality issues.

88366217 Pomegranate 19
Image by tohamina on Freepik

4. Conclusion: How to Choose Pomegranates?

In summary, choosing the right pomegranate involves a lot of careful consideration. Whether it might be regarding the fruit’s color, skin texture, weight, shape, fragrance, and so on.

By following the tips mentioned in this guide and considering the season, you will get your answer on how to choose a pomegranate and will be able to pick the best ones out there.

While choosing pomegranates from any fruit shop or grocery store, you can also ask for help from the shopkeeper or salesperson.

With their valuable assistance, you can pick out the perfect pomegranate.

Selecting the right pomegranates for cooking is certainly beneficial, as these may not only elevate your taste buds with their unique and refreshing flavor but also provide health benefits and valuable nutrients to the body.

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by kalidaspandian

TAGGED: fruit, juice, pomegranate, ripe, seed, skin
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
4 Comments 4 Comments
  • Malaika Khan says:
    December 6, 2023 at 3:04 pm

    The article’s structure is well-organized, with each section clearly delineated. The information is presented in a reader-friendly manner, making it accessible to both those familiar with pomegranates and those new to this delightful fruit.

    Reply
  • Melodic_mine says:
    December 14, 2023 at 4:39 am

    I love to eat pomegranates a lot and I also loved how this article not only provides recipes but also highlights the health benefits of pomegranates. It’s great to know that they’re not only delicious but also good for you..

    Reply
  • Naira says:
    December 24, 2023 at 4:16 pm

    Pomegranates are not easy to choose but I like them very much and I often eat pomegranates and its ,mandotary to find the right ones I found this article helpful and relatable to find delicious pomegranates.

    Reply
  • Akshaya says:
    January 24, 2024 at 2:36 pm

    A really interesting article which will definitely be of use in daily life. I will use them the next time I go out to buy fruits, specifically pomegranates!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search Australian Tales

Author

  • C.Sikta
    C.Sikta

Lifestyle

pexels ingo 13781
The Essential Guide to Dash Cams for New Vehicle Owners
Travel Lifestyle Things To Do
a4448278 6702 4719 8019 fbffef3b29d7
The Bathurst 1000: Australia’s Fascinating Cultural Phenomenon  
Lifestyle Things To Do
melbourne 595426 1280
The Melbourne Cup: A Race Which Still Stops the Nation
Lifestyle
beach in queensland
7 Beaches You Need to Visit in the Sunshine Coast
Travel

Find Us on Socials

Categories

Arts Education Facts Fashion Featured Food Gadgets Gaming Guide Health Lifestyle Music News Photography Recipes Showbiz Spiritual Style Things To Do Travel Wildlife

Australian Tales

A Product of Icy Media

3- 11860 River Rd.

Surrey, BC V3V 2V7

Canada

+1-7789512734

Email – Support@icymedia.ca

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Australian Tales brand logo with decorative elements on dark background.

Find Us on Socials

© 2024 Australian Tales. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?