Growing pomegranates is a rewarding endeavor that culminates in a harvest of ruby-red, juice-filled arils. However, pomegranates are unique compared to many other stone fruits or berries. They do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the tree. If you pick them too early, the juice will be tart and the seeds will be hard. If you wait too long, the fruit may crack open and rot. Mastering the art of the harvest requires a keen eye for color, shape, and even sound. This guide will walk you through the precise indicators to ensure you pick your pomegranates at their peak of sweetness and flavor.
Observe the Shape and Weight
One of the most reliable ways to tell if a pomegranate is ready is by looking at its silhouette. Young pomegranates are perfectly round, resembling a tennis ball. As the fruit matures, the seeds inside expand and press against the outer walls.
This pressure causes the fruit to lose its circular shape. A ripe pomegranate will develop flattened sides and a more “squared-off” or hexagonal appearance. This change indicates that the arils are plump and full of juice. Additionally, pick up the fruit and feel its weight. A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy for its size. This heaviness is a sign that the juice sacs are fully developed and the fruit is not just a hollow shell.
Analyze the Skin Color and Texture
Color is a helpful indicator, though it can vary depending on the variety of the pomegranate tree. Most common varieties, like ‘Wonderful’, turn a deep, vibrant red when they are ready for harvest. However, color alone can be deceiving. Some varieties stay pink or even yellowish-green when ripe.
Instead of looking only at the hue, look at the finish of the skin. An immature pomegranate often has a glossy, shiny exterior. As the fruit reaches maturity, the skin becomes matte and develops a tough, leathery texture. If the skin is still very soft or very shiny, it likely needs more time on the branch. You want the skin to feel firm and look slightly dull.
Listen for the Metallic Thump
Tapping the fruit is a technique used by many experienced orchardists. When you tap a pomegranate with your finger, listen closely to the sound it produces. An unripe pomegranate will often sound hollow or high-pitched because the juice levels are low.
A ripe pomegranate, filled to capacity with juice, will produce a distinct “metallic” sound or a solid, dull thud. This sound indicates that the internal cavity is packed tight with liquid-filled seeds. While this takes a bit of practice to master, it is a very effective way to gauge internal ripeness without damaging the fruit.
Inspect the Blossom End
The bottom of the pomegranate, opposite the stem, is called the blossom end or the calyx. This crown-like structure can provide clues about the fruit’s internal state. On an immature pomegranate, the petals of the calyx are often green and supple.
As the fruit ripens, these petals will turn brown and become brittle. When the calyx is completely dry and the tips start to curl inward or break off easily, it is a strong signal that the fruit has finished its growth cycle. If the calyx is still fleshy and green, the fruit is likely still drawing nutrients from the tree to develop its sugars.
Monitor for Natural Cracking
In some cases, the tree will tell you exactly when it is time to harvest by splitting the fruit. This usually happens after a heavy rain or a sudden change in irrigation. The seeds absorb so much water that they expand faster than the skin can stretch, causing the pomegranate to crack open.
While you generally want to harvest the fruit before it splits to avoid pests and mold, a small crack in one or two fruits on the tree is a “final call” for the rest of the crop. If you see splitting occurring, harvest the remaining intact fruits immediately. Those that have already split should be eaten right away, as they will not store well.
The Proper Harvest Technique
Knowing when to pick is only half the battle; you must also know how to pick. Pomegranates have very sturdy stems that do not pull away from the branch easily. Never pull or twist the fruit, as this can damage the tree’s delicate bark and fruit spurs, which are needed for next year’s crop.
Use a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or snips. Cut the stem as close to the fruit as possible. This prevents the remaining stem from poking and bruising other fruits when you place them in a basket. Handle the harvested pomegranates gently. Even though the skin feels leathery, they can bruise easily, which leads to internal spoilage.
Storage and Post-Harvest Ripening
It is worth repeating that pomegranates do not ripen off the tree. Their sugar content will not increase once they are clipped. However, their flavor can mellow and become slightly more complex if they are stored properly.
Pomegranates have an incredibly long shelf life compared to other fruits. They can stay fresh at room temperature for about two weeks. If kept in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator, they can last for two months or more. The skin may shrivel over time, but the interior arils often remain juicy and delicious.
Summary Checklist for Harvest
Before you head out to the orchard, keep this mental checklist in mind for each fruit:
- Is the shape more hexagonal or square than round?
- Does the fruit feel heavy, as if it is full of water?
- Has the skin turned from shiny to a matte, leathery finish?
- Does the fruit make a dull, solid sound when tapped?
- Is the blossom end (calyx) brown and dry?
If the answer to most of these questions is yes, your pomegranates are ready to be enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat a pomegranate that has split on the tree?
Yes, as long as there are no signs of mold or insect infestation inside the cracks. Split fruit should be harvested and consumed immediately because the exposed arils will dry out or ferment quickly.
What happens if I pick a pomegranate too early?
If picked too early, the pomegranate will be very tart and acidic. The seeds may also be pale and hard. Since they do not ripen after picking, there is no way to fix the flavor once the fruit is removed from the tree.
Why are my pomegranates turning red but staying small?
This can be caused by several factors, including lack of water, poor soil nutrition, or the specific variety of the tree. Some ornamental varieties produce small, red fruits that never reach the size of commercial pomegranates.
How long does it take for a pomegranate to ripen once it appears?
Generally, it takes five to seven months for the fruit to reach full maturity after the tree blossoms. Most pomegranates are harvested in the late summer through late autumn, depending on the climate.
Does the color of the seeds match the color of the skin?
Not necessarily. Some pomegranates have very dark red skin but light pink arils. Others might have pale skin but deep burgundy seeds. It is best to know the specific variety you are growing to understand what color the seeds should be.