A ripe pomegranate is not a particularly spectacular sight from the outside. Inside, however, it offers a colorful display of countless small, angular seeds encased in a translucent, often ruby red, fruit mantle.

How to recognize good fruit from the outside

The spherical, fist-sized fruits of the pomegranate have a firm, reddish-brownish skin. Spots and bulges on the shell are normal and not a quality defect. When touched with the fingers, the intact pomegranate feels waxy, almost leathery, sometimes a bit rough and hard. A ripe pomegranate can be identified by the color and texture of the skin.

How to recognize spoiled fruit

The first thing to look at is the fruit's sepal, which usually looks dried up. If mold is visible in the remaining blossom, this is the first sign of a lack of freshness or poor storage. If you discover soft spots when touching the fruit, these are a further indication that the pomegranate is rotting inside.

Usually, when you open the fruit, you will find that the seeds and the intermediate membranes are also brown in color and softened, which confirms the assumption. The intact pomegranate seeds have - depending on the variety - light yellow, pink or deep red colored, glassy, firm flesh.

Cut out generously or throw away

As with any other fruit, when in doubt, you can definitely tell if it has rotted by the smell and ultimately by the taste. If only a small part of the fruit is affected, it could be generously cut out and removed. The intact seeds can be eaten without hesitation, especially if they are e.g. B. cooked in a sauce or subjected to a different kind of heat treatment.

tips and tricks

With its nutrient content of around 40 - 60 kcal per 100 g, the pomegranate is quite low in calories. It contains iron, potassium and more polyphenols than red wine.

n / A

Category:

Trees