Do you love pomegranates? They’re delicious, nutritious, and full of antioxidants. But do you know how long they last before they go bad?
There are many myths surrounding the shelf life of poems. Some say it lasts only 1 year, while others claim it will last indefinitely. In reality, it depends on the storage conditions and where you buy them from.
In this article, we’ll discuss the shelf life of pomegranates. We’ll also share tips on how to prolong its shelf life.
What is the shelf-life of pomegranates exactly?
The shelf-life of pomegranate varies depending on the storage conditions. The best way to store them is in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. If you are planning to use your pomegranates within this period, then they will be fine. However, if you plan to keep them longer than that, then it’s better to freeze them first.
Let us look at fresh pomegranates, pomegranate seeds, and pomegranate juice.
Fresh pomegranate fruits
When buying pomegranates, you should choose large, shiny fruits that are heavy for their size. They should not be damaged and should be brown at the end. Store whole pomegranates at room temperature in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
What is the shelf life of pomegranates?
- Room temperature: 1 to 2 weeks
- Refrigerator: 1 to 2 months
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. At room temperature, pomegranates will keep fresh for about one week. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to two months. Pomegranates can also be frozen for up to twelve months.
How long do pomegranates keep at room temperature?
If stored properly, pomegranates will keep for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature (about 20°C). To prolong the shelf life of fully ripe pomegranates, place them in a plastic bag and refrigerate them.
How long do pomegranates keep in the fridge?
Pomegranates will keep for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze pomegranates?
Yes. Pomegranate fruits can be frozen for quite a long time. To do this, you just need to put the whole fruit in a tight freezer bag and store it.
How long do pomegranates keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, pomegranates maintain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer but remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if pomegranates are expired?
Throw away the pomegranates if mold appears or if the pomegranates smell or look unusual.
Pomegranate seeds (arils)
Pomegranate seeds can be frozen but without peel and films. Fold the peeled grains into a clean bag, tie it up and place it in the freezer, so they can be stored for 1 year.
Can you freeze pomegranate seeds?
Yes. Scoop out the large seeds that are inside, spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then put the sheet in the freezer. Once the seeds are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and return them to the freezer.
What is the best way to store pomegranate seeds?
Pomegranate seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If they’re not going to be eaten right away, freeze them for 3 months.
Pomegranate juice
Fresh pomegranate juice can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. Sterilized pomegranate juice in jars can be stored much longer – up to 1 year, and you can drink it throughout the winter.
Read: What is the shelf life of pomegranate juice?
Storing pomegranates
- Pomegranates can be stored for two weeks at room temperature, and for up to one month in the fridge.
- You can store them for up to four months at a cool temperature of 5°C. Pomegranates can be frozen or canned.
- The arils or seeds are best eaten within three days of being picked.
- If you have any leftover arils, they will keep for about six months if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For more information, read: Pomegranate Storage Tips
Conclusion
Now that we know how long pomegranates keep and how to store them, it’s time to put all this knowledge into practice. Remember, if you want to ensure that you’re getting the freshest possible product, look for bags marked “sell by.” This means that the fruit was picked within the past two weeks.
