How to select Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a fruit thought to have originated in the Mediterranean. They are about the size of a baseball and have a red leathery rind that, when peeled away, reveals small ruby-like edible seeds. Pomegranates are an excellent source of antioxidants, and are now widely available in juice form. Pomegranates are found in most stores in the fall, when they become ripe. When dry, pomegranates can be a decorative addition to table centerpieces, because they do not look much different than when they were ripe.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compare the size of the pomegranate to the others that are available. Larger fruits yield more juicy seeds than smaller ones. Select the largest fruit available.

2. Pick up the pomegranate and feel the weight. It should be heavy for its size (like a baseball would be). The heavier the fruit, the more juice is stored in its seeds. When pomegranates are dried, they are very light.

3. Feel the skin. It should feel leathery and not too dry. Dry skin indicates the fruit is beginning to dry.

4. Examine the color. Pomegranates should be deep red in color. When pomegranates begin to lose their color they are not as good.

5. Examine the shape of the fruit. Pomegranates are not completely round, but are almost hexagonal in shape. This is due to the membranes separating the fruit on the inside. Make sure there are no flat spots, which may indicate part of the fruit has gone bad.

6. Examine the skin on the fruit. Make sure it is relatively free from blemishes. The skin is quite thick and protects the delicate seeds well, but damage to the outside can indicate damage to the inside, so be aware.

Tips & Warnings

• While some people eat the seeds and the surrounding flesh of the pomegranate, others prefer to press the pomegranate seeds through a mesh strainer, leaving only the juice.

• Pomegranate juice stains fabric, so use care when handling them.