When Are Pomegranates Ripe?

Ripe pomegranate.

Pomegranates are ripe when they make a metallic sound when they are lightly tapped. Mature fruit typically has reddish-purple skin and measures up to 5 inches in diameter. Some varieties of ripe pomegranates are pink skinned.

Identification

Pomegranates resemble apples, but are typically smaller in size. In actuality, they are berries that ripen in August or September. They have a tough outer skin and are filled with seeds, which are surrounded by edible pulp.

Types

There are numerous types of pomegranates. They include wonderful and green globe. Wonderful's originated in Florida and are the number one commercial variety in California. They are large, with semisoft seeds and best to use for juice. Green globe pomegranates originated in California. They have a light green skin and are sweet and aromatic.

Function

Besides a food choice, pomegranates are used to make a variety of dyes. This includes red dye from the flowers, yellow dye from the skin and black dye from the roots. The wood of the tree, which more closely resembles a shrub, has sometimes been used to craft agricultural tools.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers: Pomegtanate Fruit Facts
• University of Arizona: backyard Gardener-Growing Pomegranates