Pomegranates are primarily grown in mild-temperate to subtropical climates and grow in regions with cool winters and hot summers. The trees are capable of tolerating drought and prefer a semi-arid climate. In southern Florida, fruit development is enhanced after a cold winter. The pomegranate prospers in soil that is calcareous and alkaline, in deep, acidic loam, and a wide range of soils in between these extremes. The pomegranate tree can grow in any soil that has good internal drainage. Pomegranates are susceptible to a number of insect infestations and plant diseases, which can cause the loss of an entire crop or discoloration of fruits and arils unless properly managed.
Pomegranate harvesting begins in August. The fruit does not continue to ripen after harvest and should be picked when fully ripe for best eating quality. The fruit is ready for harvest if it makes a metallic sound when tapped.
Certain environmental conditions can cause pomegranate fruit to crack open, including rain, wind, and insufficient irrigation. The stem is generally removed at harvest to prevent damage to other fruits during the shipping and handling process. In north and central Florida, pomegranate fruit ripen from July to October.
The fruit should be transported in cool temperatures and cushioned in wooden crates or in baskets lined with paper or straw. Some growers use wax to cover the fruit to enhance the appearance. Improper humidity can lead to grey mold, which is caused by Botrytiscinerea fungus infection. Commercial growers track timelines, know fruit-color indicators for their varieties, and test the fruit for acidity and juice color.
Home gardeners may need trial and error over a few years to get to know indicators of ripeness for your specific pomegranate variety s. When indicators below suggest ripeness, harvest and check a single fruit.
For larger yields and heavily laden trees, compare color and other aspects of fruits. Harvest fruits in groups as they ripen, and sample more than one fruit if necessary over time before harvesting. Fruit Weight. Pomegranates become juicier and heavier as they ripen. Pomegranate tree branches, usually the outer and newer branches, are often pulled lower by increased weight as fruits ripen.
Color is an indicator of pomegranate ripeness but varies by cultivar. Most varieties are bright-red or deep-red to crimson without traces of green when ripe. Get to know your variety s by checking the skin color as you sample fruits. As pomegranates ripen, the seed and arils seed sacks or coverings will swell.
Ripe pomegranates turn from round to slightly angular, with the sides becoming more square and the stem and blossom ends becoming flatter. Don't have an account? Sign up today. Never created a password? Create one here. Already have an account? Log in here.
Thanks, but no thanks. No, thanks I'm already a PureWow fan. No, thanks I hate pretty things. The sweet, tart and juicy arils of a pomegranate are a real treat—but when you buy the whole fruit, you do have to put in a fair bit of effort to extract these health-boosting and palate-pleasing little gems.
According to the experts over at the Pomegranate Council , the weight of the fruit is one of the most effective ways to suss out the ripeness of a pomegranate. A ripe fruit will be plump with delicious juice, and therefore considerably heftier than its unripe counterpart.
Shape Another tell-tale sign of ripeness is the shape of the fruit: A ripe pomegranate will be flatter at the stem and blossom ends, with sides that have a more squared appearance.
In other words, the more perfectly round a pomegranate looks, the less likely it is to be ripe. The Pomegranate Council tells us that pretty much any piece of fruit you encounter in the produce section will have been picked when it was relatively ripe. As pomegranates ripen, their skin takes on a soft, leathery quality. Let us know in the comments below. When Are Pomegranates Ripe? Weight a Minute! Shaping Up As pomegranates ripen, they change shape to accommodate the complex biology occurring inside them.
A ripe pomegranate is about the same size as an orange but more angular in shape. Sound Advice This method for testing ripeness sounds a bit bizarre at first but actually makes perfect sense when you think about it.
This is a great way to puzzle out which pomegranates are riper than others. Good Taste Ultimately, taste is the best method of how to tell if a pomegranate is ripe.
Tips for Harvesting Pomegranates For those fortunate enough to have their own pomegranate trees, harvest season is an exciting time. Preserving Pomegranates Once harvested, these fruits last well, sometimes even for months, ensuring they are always on hand when you need a burst of pomegranate goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is it a good idea to keep pomegranates in the fridge? Q: Is pomegranate good for you? How to Tell if a Pomegranate Is Ripe This delicious fruit may seem exotic and mysterious in nature, but if we monitor it closely, we find that there are a lot of tell-tale indications around its ripeness. The Melogold Grapefruit Tree.
0コメント