Understanding Pomegranate Varieties
While the sight of glistening red arils is universally appealing, the flavor, sweetness, and seed texture vary significantly between pomegranate varieties. The most common commercial variety, 'Wonderful', is popular but known for its hard seeds and tart taste, making it better for juicing than for fresh eating.
Sweetest Pomegranates for Fresh Eating
If you prefer a sweeter, less-acidic experience with softer seeds, several varieties stand out:
- Mollar de Elche: Hailing from Spain, this variety is often cited as one of the sweetest with noticeably soft seeds. Its less intense color and more subtle flavor make it ideal for those who find other pomegranates too tart. It has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Europe, guaranteeing its quality.
- Parfianka: Widely praised for its consistently excellent flavor, the Parfianka variety offers a balance of sweet and tangy notes with very soft seeds. Many home gardeners and enthusiasts consider it the best all-around variety for fresh eating.
- Sweet Pomegranate: This variety is specifically known for its low-acid, sweet flavor and is well-adapted to cooler climates. As its name suggests, it's a reliable choice for those seeking a sweet fruit.
- White Pomegranate (Babylonian White, Muscat White): These pale-hued pomegranates are often much sweeter and less acidic than their red counterparts. While rarer, they are highly sought after for their mild, pleasing taste and tender arils.
Flavorful Pomegranates with a Tart Kick
For those who enjoy a more complex, sweet-tart flavor profile, these varieties are excellent choices:
- Wonderful: The most common variety in US grocery stores, the 'Wonderful' pomegranate has a large size and a distinctive tart taste that makes it perfect for juicing and cocktails.
- Desertnyi: This variety offers a pleasantly intense sweet-tart flavor with soft seeds. It’s a good middle ground for those who like some tang but prefer softer seeds than the 'Wonderful' variety.
How to Pick the Best Pomegranate at the Store
Selecting a ripe and juicy pomegranate doesn't have to be a gamble. Follow these tips to ensure you get a delicious fruit every time:
- Weight: Pick up pomegranates of similar size and choose the heaviest one. A heavy fruit indicates it is full of juice and ripe arils.
- Shape: Look for pomegranates with slightly flattened, angular sides instead of a perfectly round shape. This signifies that the arils have fully matured and expanded, pressing against the skin.
- Color: While a deep red is often a sign of maturity, some varieties, like the Mollar, can have a more brownish or bone color. The best indicator is a consistent, rich tone, whether red or a lighter shade.
- Skin: The skin should be firm and taut, not soft or wrinkly. Small, natural cracks are a good sign of ripeness and juiciness, but avoid pomegranates with deep cracks or mold.
- Sound: Gently tap the pomegranate with your knuckles. A metallic, hollow sound suggests plump, juicy arils, while a dull thud can mean it's drying out.
Comparison of Popular Pomegranate Varieties
| Feature | Mollar de Elche | Parfianka | Wonderful | Desertnyi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Fresh eating | Fresh eating / Juicing | Juicing | Fresh eating / Juicing |
| Flavor Profile | Very sweet, low acid | Sweet with balanced acidity | Tart, with some sweetness | Sweet-tart, intense |
| Seed Texture | Very soft seeds | Very soft seeds | Hard seeds | Soft seeds |
| Appearance | Reddish or brownish skin | Bright red skin, pink arils | Deep red skin and arils | Light pinkish-yellow skin |
| Key Characteristic | Protected Designation of Origin | Consistently excellent flavor | Most widely available | Good balance of sweet and tart |
The Best Pomegranate for Your Recipe
Your recipe can also dictate the best pomegranate to use. For a fresh salad or as a yogurt topping, a sweet variety like Mollar or Parfianka is ideal, providing a burst of sweetness without the distracting crunch of hard seeds. For savory dishes, like a garnish for meats or roasted vegetables, a sweet-tart variety like Wonderful or Desertnyi can provide a welcome acidic contrast. When making juice, the Wonderful variety is a perfect choice due to its high juice yield and tangy flavor. Regardless of variety, always eat the arils fresh and raw for the best flavor, as heating can diminish it.
How to Store a Pomegranate
Once you've selected the perfect pomegranate, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness. Whole, uncut pomegranates can be kept at room temperature for a few days or stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, the extracted arils can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. To preserve them for even longer, you can freeze the seeds by spreading them on a baking sheet for two hours before transferring them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to a year.
Conclusion
While the 'Wonderful' pomegranate is the most common variety found in stores, it is not necessarily the best for fresh eating due to its hard seeds and tart flavor. For the best fresh-eating experience, seek out varieties like Mollar de Elche or Parfianka, which offer superior sweetness and soft seeds. When shopping, remember to choose heavy fruits with firm, flat-sided skins and listen for a metallic sound when tapped. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a delicious and juicy experience every time you enjoy this beautiful fruit.
Visit a resource like Burchell Nursery to learn more about specific pomegranate varieties and their unique characteristics for home gardeners and enthusiasts.
