Along with pineapples, strawberries, table grapes, watermelons and citrus fruits, pomegranates are among the so-called non-climacteric fruits that no longer ripen after they have been picked. Although pomegranates are sold ripe, they can be stored for a long time without any loss of quality.

Post-ripening and non-post-ripening fruits

The non-post-ripening (or non-climacteric) fruits differ from the post-ripening (climacteric) fruits in their respiration behavior after harvesting:

  • the non-climacteric fruits then only emit little carbon dioxide,
  • the release of carbon dioxide from the climacteric fruits increases.

The fruits that no longer ripen after picking must therefore be harvested when fully ripe.

Can be stored despite being fully ripe

The climacteric fruits only need a certain minimum degree of ripeness in order to be picked and then to reach their full ripeness during storage. The fruits that do not ripen later, on the other hand, are intended for immediate consumption and cannot be stored for long due to their full ripeness. The pomegranate is an exception thanks to its protective skin.

Protection from skin rich in tannin

The firm, leather-like outer skin optimally protects the edible seeds inside the pomegranate from all external influences. The robust shell ensures that the pomegranates can be easily transported from the growing countries to Germany and stored for a few months without losing their freshness and taste.

During storage, the pomegranate skin dries up and becomes increasingly firm, but the flesh underneath remains fresh and juicy. Inside the pomegranate, the seeds, which are plumply covered with light or dark red juice, are additionally protected from drying out by the light, soft inner walls.

tips and tricks

One often reads that in the countries of origin the fruits intended for personal use are left on the tree until the skin bursts open. Such overripe pomegranates are said to taste best.

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Trees