Everything You Wanted to Know About Pomegranates...

What are the origins of the pomegranate?
The pomegranate has appeared in myths, legends, art and history for centuries. Associated with health and rebirth, some scholars even place the pomegranate in the Garden of Eden, instead of an apple. Known as one of the earliest cultivated fruits, they may date back to 2000 B.C. and are still a fruit of fascination today.

Can you sell me some pomegranates, pomegranate juice or pomegranate concentrate?
The Pomegranate Council does not produce or sell pomegranates or pomegranate products. Visit our CONTACT PAGE for links to Council member companies.

What part do I eat?
Pomegranates contain glistening red arils that are delicious and heavy with juice. Inside each aril is a tiny edible seed that provides valuable fiber and can be enjoyed along with the aril. The white membrane that surrounds the arils is bitter and not recommended for consumption.

When are pomegranates in season and available?
Some varieties can be available as early as August, while the Wonderful variety, the majority of the commercial harvest, is in season from October through January.

Pomegranates aren't in season right now in North America. Is there any way I can order some?
While many types of produce are now readily available year-round due to importation from the Southern Hemisphere, fresh pomegranates unfortunately don't yet fall in that category.  The Pomegranate Council does not currently carry resource information for Southern Hemisphere suppliers.

How do I tell if a pomegranate is ripe?
Pomegranates are picked when ripe. When you see them in stores, they are ready to enjoy. When selecting a pomegranate, consider that the heavier the fruit is, the juicier it will be.

How do I juice a pomegranate?
JUICER METHOD
Cut the fresh pomegranate in half as you would a grapefruit. We recommend using a hand-press juicer to juice a pomegranate. If you use an electric juicer, take care not to juice the membrane, so that the juice remains sweet. Strain the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. Caution, pomegranate juice stains.

BLENDER METHOD
Place 1-1/2 to 2 cups seeds in a blender; blend until liquefied.
Pour through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. Caution, pomegranate juice stains.

ROLLING METHOD
On a hard surface, press the palm of your hand against a pomegranate and gently roll to break all of the seeds inside (crackling stops when all seeds have broken open). Pierce the rind and squeeze out juice or poke in a straw and press to release juice. Caution, pomegranate juice stains. NOTE: Rolling can be done inside a plastic bag to contain juice that leaks through the skin.

How do I remove the seeds?
Visit our 3 STEP-NO MESS page for easy methods of removing the seeds.

What is the nutritional value of pomegranates?
View the latest updated nutrition chart on our NUTRITION PAGE. You can also view the nutrition page, from our home page, by clicking the "Nutrition" link in the lower right corner.

I have a pomegranate tree in my yard. How do I take care of it?
Pomegranate trees are very low-maintenance, and can do well in hot, dry climates with little to no care. Water occasionally, being careful not to over water. Light annual pruning is recommended for better fruit production.

Where can I buy a pomegranate tree?
Since pomegranate trees are often used as ornamental foliage, any good nursery will probably be able to sell you a tree or point you in the right direction.



For more information, please visit our NEWS AND INFO page or contact the POMEGRANATE COUCIL