How to choose a perfectly ripe pomegranate (with expert tips)

Whenever we go fruit shopping, many of us have difficulty deciphering whether a fruit ripens enough. Ripe fruits taste better and can be more nutritious and fibre-rich for you. One such fruit is pomegranate. “When it comes to pomegranate, it is important to pick up a deliciously ripe one as it adds a lot of depth to the flavour,” described Babendra Singh, chef, Temple Street, Delhi.

To help you out, private chef Divya Butani shared a few tips that we thought could help you pick the right ones.

But before we dive into the tips, here’s why pomegranates should be a part of your diet

In terms of benefits for summer, pomegranates offer a plethora of advantages. They are nutrient-rich, and packed with vitamins C, E, K, folate, and potassium, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. “Their polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants, reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Pomegranate juice can improve blood flow and help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries due to its anti-inflammatory properties,” said Dr Rohini Patil, nutritionist, and founder, Nutracy Lifestyle.

The fibre in pomegranates supports gut health by reducing inflammation and aiding digestion, which is beneficial for conditions like IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome) and Crohn’s disease. Some studies suggest that pomegranates may enhance memory function. Additionally, research indicates that daily consumption of pomegranate juice may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. Drinking pomegranate juice before exercise can help reduce fatigue by improving oxygen delivery to muscles,” Dr Patil mentioned.

How to include pomegranate?

Incorporate ripe pomegranates into your summer diet through salads, smoothies, or as a topping for various dishes. “You can enjoy their refreshing taste while reaping their numerous health benefits,” said Dr Patil.

The pomegranate peel should be smooth (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

How to choose a perfectly ripe pomegranate

*Check the shape of the pomegranate. A ripe one should be a hexagon shape with obvious ridges that pop out of the skin. One that is not ripe will be smooth and round, with no obvious ridges, Butani mentioned.

Butani said one should check the weight of the pomegranate. “It should be heavy with all the juice packed inside the seeds and an unripe one will be lighter,” Butani said. “When selecting a pomegranate, focus on its weight and skin condition, as ripe ones are ready to be enjoyed immediately,” said Dr Patil.

Chef Singh also agreed and shared that a pomegranate should feel heavy for its size, indicating juiciness and plump seeds within. “Also, its outer skin should be smooth,” said chef Singh.

 

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A post shared by Divya Butani | Private Chef (@theveggiewifey)

According to Butani, one should check the sound of the pomegranate. “When you knock on it, the pomegranate should produce a rich and hollow sound,” said Butani.

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