Pomegranate was introduced in the 16th century, and described throughout the Mediterranean region. It is a fruit-bearing shrub that grows between five to ten meters in height and arrives usually in the winter season from September to March in Southeast Asia. Pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, garnishing meals, alcoholic drinks, and food flavoring, and most people love to eat their raw seeds. Pomegranates are always a part of the premium meals and drinks you enjoy in daily life. How to store pomegranate if you want to enjoy it in the off-season? You will learn by studying the article ahead.
The ritual of food storage has been around for ages. Canning, pickling, and drying are some techniques people used to adopt. In the case of fruits, the most effective and used way is to store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge. Cold storage is widely used to store fruits in a controlled atmosphere and temperature for commercial and business purposes. We can easily extend their shelf life by storing them.
After getting to know about the pomegranates and to know more about how to store pomegranate, a million-dollar question is – how to select pomegranates.
How to pick the best pomegranate?
Though fresh pomegranates can be found in September to November, you can also find them stored in nearby grocery shops and farmer’s markets. But beware of selecting them. There are some characteristics of the pomegranate that are needed to be taken care of while selecting THE ONE.
The right SWC – Size, Weight, and Color – is a perfect formula for selecting a fully ripe, juicy pomegranates. A ripe pomegranate will have square-rounded shaded due to the expansion of the inner seeds, whereas an unripe pomegranate will be rounded. The outer skin, which should be stretched and free of blemishes, should also be well judged.
A ripe pomegranate can be chosen based on its weight, as the heavier the pomegranate, the more juice it will contain. The light pomegranate represents dried pomegranate.
Pomegranates come in a variety of colors depending on their origin, such as Golden Globe Pomegranate, which has a yellow texture, Ariana, which is deep red, and so on. The seeds should be bright, regardless of the shade. Overripeness is indicated by a faded and dull appearance.
Storing the whole pomegranate
When it comes to storing the whole pomegranate, it must be placed in a cool place and kept away from direct sunlight. Doing this makes them stay fresh for a few weeks. If you want to store them at your home, then you can make them stay fresh for at least 2 to 3 months by placing them in the refrigerator. Ever wondered about how to store pomegranate for more time?
Cold storage is the place where it gets done. Pomegranates are carefully stored in cold storage at a temperature below 5°C after they are harvested. They are even transported from one place to another in vehicles with cold storage.
How long do they last?
When stored in a room in a cool place, pomegranates can stay for one to two weeks. You must keep them away from direct sunlight in this case. When you keep them whole in the refrigerator, their shelf life extends to 2 to 3 months. If you take out its seeds, enclose them in an airtight bag, and place them in the refrigerator, they can last for a year. Fresh pomegranate juice should be used for 2 to 3 days if you place it in the refrigerator. Freezing this juice can make it fit to use within six months.
How should pomegranate be refrigerated?
So, when it comes to pomegranates, they have the same storage capacity as apples. The most important aspect of ensuring their long life is storing them at the proper temperature and environment. The stock will be destroyed in a humid and hot storage unit. As a result, they must be stored in a cold, dry, and well-ventilated environment to ensure their durability. In addition, they should be kept out of direct sunlight.
How to store pomegranate seeds only?
So, when it comes to storing the pomegranate arils (seeds), these can be frozen. All you have to do is spread the seeds on a single layer of clean wax paper. Put them in the freezer for almost two hours, this will transfer moisture to that wax paper and make them dry. Now, put these moisture-free seeds in an airtight bag and put them in the freezer. You can use them easily anytime within a year.
How to remove pomegranate seeds?
It may seem weird to you but the process is simple. All you have to do is to remove both caps in the pomegranate. Now, cut it in two halves. Take one half in your hand, and place a bowl below it. Now, strike the upper part of that pomegranate with a knife’s handle. You will be amazed to see the job done in a few minutes. It seems a little unconventional but the process is very effective and efficient.
Related Topic: How to Cut a Pomegranate
FAQs
Q. How To Tell If a Pomegranate Is Bad?
Ans. It depends if the pomegranate is bad in shape, color, or taste. In terms of taste, you should not eat it because the only way it can be bad is if it is decaying or rotting on the inside. You must stop taking it, and if others are doing the same, they must stop as well, as it may cause stomach problems. You must see the pomegranate’s inside while peeling them or when you remove the seeds.
Q. How do I tell if a pomegranate is ripe?
Ans. You can see the shape of the pomegranate that will depict its ripeness. It is less likely that around pomegranate is ripe. Hence, those who have different or irregular shapes, textures, and sides with some squared appearance, flattering the blossom and stem ends will make you say easily that the pomegranate is ripe.
Q. How can I extend the shelf life of pomegranates?
Ans. You can extend the shelf life of pomegranates by storing them in different ways. You can store it as a whole in the refrigerator, take out seeds and refrigerate them. You can also freeze its juice and use it for a year. This is a complete guide on how to store pomegranate?
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