The pomegranate fruit is a special form of berry, just like a citrus fruit. Like these, it does not ripen after harvest. Botanically, however, Punica granatum and Citrus are not related.
Although there are some similarities between pomegranate and citrus fruits, pomegranates are not citrus plants. The latter include e.g. B.
- tangerines,
- oranges,
- grapefruit,
- limes,
- Lemons,
- kumquats.
The citrus plants belong to the rue family, while the pomegranate trees belong to the loosestrife family.
similarities
As with citrus fruits, pomegranates are a special berry fruit that no longer ripens after harvesting. The pomegranate also combines with the citrus fruits its mildly sour taste with a slightly tart note, as we know it from grapefruit.
Both plants thrive in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. Both the citrus and pomegranate fruits have a long ripening period. Therefore, a long, warm summer is required for the fruit to ripen. Both types of fruit tree are sensitive to frost and can therefore usually only be kept as container plants in Germany.
differences
Unlike the evergreen citrus trees, a pomegranate tree is a deciduous tree. Apart from numerous external differences (color of the flower and the fruit, size of the tree or bush), the citrus fruits, in contrast to the robust pomegranates, are susceptible to all kinds of fungal diseases and pests. While the pomegranate plants survive the dry periods in the growing countries such as Israel, Turkey or Morocco well, the citrus plants need continuous irrigation for a good yield.
tips and tricks
The pomegranates can be squeezed like citrus fruits. With a ripe pomegranate, however, you need to be more careful when doing this, as the juice splashes leave deep red stains on clothing that are difficult to get out.
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