Pomegranates don’t continue to ripen after being picked, so harvesting at the right time is crucial for the best flavour and juiciness. Unlike many fruits that soften when ripe, pomegranates remain firm, meaning you’ll need to rely on visual and physical cues to determine their readiness.
From changes in color and shape to the subtle curling of the calyx at the base, here’s how to know when your pomegranates are at peak ripeness.
Signs That a Pomegranate Is Ready to Harvest
- Color Change – A ripe pomegranate develops a deep, rich color —ranging from deep red and pink to golden yellow, depending on the variety). The color should be uniform and consistent across the fruit, without green areas.
- Calyx (Crown) Curling – The small, petal-like projections at the fruit’s base (the calyx) start to dry out and curl inward. This is a subtle but reliable sign of ripeness.
- Skin Texture and Weight – The skin becomes more leathery and firm. A ripe pomegranate will feel heavy for its size due to the high juice content inside.
- Shape – The fruit loses its perfectly round shape and develops a slightly more angular, flattened appearance with pronounced ridges as the arils (juice-filled sacs) inside the fruit begin to swell.
- Sound Test – When tapped, a ripe pomegranate produces a metallic, hollow sound. If it sounds dull or soft, it may need more time on the tree.
- Natural Cracking/Splitting – Some pomegranates will naturally split open when fully ripe, especially in dry conditions. If you see cracking, they should be harvested immediately to prevent spoilage. In dry conditions, some pomegranates will naturally crack open when fully ripe. If you see splitting, harvest immediately to prevent spoilage or pest damage.
Final Tip: Harvest at the Right Time – Since pomegranates don’t ripen after being picked, it’s best to wait until they show multiple signs of ripeness before harvesting to ensure the best flavour. Carefully cut the fruit from the tree to avoid damaging the stem or nearby branches.
Comparing the Flavour of Ripe and Unripe Pomegranates
Unripe pomegranates have a significantly different taste compared to ripe ones. Here’s how they compare:
Unripe Pomegranates:
- Flavour: Very tart, sour, and sometimes astringent due to higher tannin content. The taste can be quite sharp and puckering.
- Juiciness: Less juicy, as the arils (seeds) have not fully developed their juice content.
- Texture: The arils may be harder and more fibrous, making them less pleasant to eat.
Ripe Pomegranates:
- Flavour: Sweet-tart, with a well-balanced acidity. Some varieties are sweeter, while others retain a bit of tanginess.
- Juiciness: The arils are plump, bursting with juice when bitten into.
- Texture: Softer, with a crisp but not tough texture in the arils.
Unripe pomegranates can still be used in cooking, such as making tart sauces or adding acidity to dishes, but they are generally not enjoyable to eat raw compared to fully ripe ones.