Pomegranates
When to Buy/In Season:
September to December.
How to Select:
Fresh-looking fruit, heavy for its size. Avoid shriveled fruit or fruit with broken peel, dried out or wrinkled.
Organic Issues:
Organic pomegranates are available. Organic pomegranate juice is becoming very popular, and driving the availability
Pesticide Issues:
EWG 2009 Dirty Dozen, not listed
How to Store:
Keep for several weeks at room temperature, or store in the refrigerator.
Freezer
To Freeze Fresh Pomegranates:
Select fully ripe pomegranates. Wash and
- cut the top off, about ½ inch below the crown
- score the pomegranate into it’s sections, which are divided by the internal skin (similar to orange sections)
- separate the pomegranate at the score mark into each section
- use your fingers to loosen the seeds, over a bowl of water. The seeds will sink to the bottom, and the fleshy bitter membrane will float on top.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the pieces of membrane that have floated to the top
- pour the remaining liquid through a strainer. The seeds (arils) will collect in the strainer. From here, they can be used, frozen, made into juice, etc.
Pack juice and pulp into containers. Cover with a cold 30 percent syrup, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.
Store frozen pomegranates up to 6 – 12 months
Photo Source: Joe M500
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