How to Preserve Pomegranates

Did You Know?

The pomegranate is a native fruit of the Middle East. Its name in Latin means “apple with many seeds,” but it actually looks somewhat like a petrified tomato.
The pomegranate plant can be used for its aesthetic beauty in hedges, as a shrub, a tree or for its fruit.
The pomegranate plant is well adapted to the hot, dry climate of the Southwest and grows in a wide range of soils.

Fruit Use

The edible portion of the fruit includes the seed and the juicy translucent flesh covering the seed. The tart flavor of the pulp and juice can add interest and variety to other foods. The flesh-covered seeds can be used as a garnish in fruit cups, compotes, salads, desserts, and as a snack. The juice is used to make jellies, puddings, desserts, and drinks. Grenadine, made from pomegranate juice, is a flavoring in some beverages. Grenadine is also a delicious topping for ice cream and chilled fruits such as peaches, pears, and bananas.

Removing the Seeds

Preserving pomegranates It’s a good idea to wear an apron when handling pomegranates. They tend to spurt, and the deep red stain is difficult to remove. Because pomegranate juice can darken if it comes in contact with metal, use plastic or glass utensils.

When you need a large number of seeds, cut off the crown and score the pomegranate lengthwise in three or four places. Seeds can also be removed by cutting the pomegranate in half, placing the cut face down, and rapping the shell firmly with a blunt instrument such as a hammer handle. The juice sacs are somewhat easier to remove.

While holding the fruit under water, split the sections and separate the seeds from the section walls. The seeds will sink to the bottom and the peel and membranes will float. Skim off membranes and drain seeds in a colander.

Extracting the Juice

Extracting pomegranate juice One large pomegranate yields between one-fourth to one-half cup of juice. To get the juice, crush or press the seeds.

Seeds can be pressed in a sieve or food mill. Juice can also be extracted by whirling seeds, 1 1/2 cups at a time, in a blender or food processor until liquefied, then straining them. Strain crushed pulp through a double thickness of cheesecloth or nylon netting to remove seeds. Extracting pomegranate juice

Another method of obtaining juice is to cut the fruit in half and use a juice press or juicer. Press, do not twist the fruit. The rind contains tannin, which gives the juice a bitter taste. Place the juicer in the sink to avoid splattering. Strain juice.

Freezing

The juice can be frozen or canned. Freezing is recommended because juice will hold its flavor and color better. To freeze, fill freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace for expansion. Label with the date, then store in an upright position until the juice is frozen.

Freeze the seeds for use in salads and appetizers by spreading them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Quickly freeze, then transfer to and store in moisture, vapor-proof freezer bags or containers. For other uses, pack seeds in containers and cover with cold, 30 percent syrup. Make the syrup by heating two cups of sugar in four cups of water until sugar is dissolved. Cool syrup, then pour over fruit. Leave 1/2 inch headspace, seal, and freeze.

Canning

Pomegranate Juice

Canned juice may turn brown and lose its flavor. Adding two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to each quart of juice helps retain color and flavor. Bring juice quickly to a boil, pour into hot jars, adjust lids, and process.

Processing times at different altitudes for Pomegranates in a BOILING WATER canner:

Altitude	0-1,000 ft	1,001-6,000 ft	Above 6,000 ft
Pints or Quarts	5 min	10 min	15 min

*Jars that will be processed for less than 10 minutes should be sterilized before filling. Sterilize by heating jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Syrup and Jelly

Grenadine Syrup

4 cups pomegranate juice
2 cups sugar

Combine juice with sugar and stir. Heat just to simmering and simmer three to five minutes. Cool. Store syrup in the refrigerator for one to two weeks or in the freezer. Use as topping for ice cream or chilled fruits or in beverages.

Pomegranate Jelly

3 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, fresh, frozen and thawed, or bottled 1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package (2 ounces) powdered pectin
4 1/2 cups sugar

Yield: 6 half-pint canning jars.

Combine pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and pectin in a 4- or 5-quart pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar until well blended; return to a boil and continue boiling, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Remove jelly from heat.

Let stand a minute to allow foam to form; then carefully skim off the foam. Pour hot jelly quickly into hot half pint jars, filling jars to within about 1/4 inch of tops. Carefully wipe off rim of jar. Put lid on each jar as it is filled, screwing ring band on hand tight. Process in hot water bath according to altitude chart below.

Cool jars away from drafts on a towel. If jars do not seal, refrigerate. Label sealed jars and store in a cool, dark area.

Recommended process time in a Boiling-Water canner for Pomegranate Jelly

		Process times at altitudes of:
Style of Pack	Jar size	0-1,000 ft	1,001-3,000 ft	3,001-6,000 ft	Above 6,000 ft
Hot	Half Pints	5 min.	Add 1 minute for each additional 1000 feet above 1000ft.	Add 1 minute for each additional 1000 feet above 1000ft.	Add 1 minute for each additional 1000 feet above 1000ft.

Storage

Store pomegranates in a cool, dry well-ventilated place. The fruit should be spread on shelves or tables or hung by tying strings to the fruit stems. Fruit can also be refrigerated. Fresh seeds or juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use frozen pomegranates within 1 year.

Nutritional Value

The pomegranate’s main food value is carbohydrates. Half a medium pomegranate is 82% water and about 50 calories. It is an excellent source of potassium (199 mg) and is very low in sodium (2 mg).

References

Andress, Elizabeth L. and Judy A. Harrison. 1999. So Easy to Preserve, 4th Ed. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia. Athens GA.
Crites. Alice M., Linnis Mills, Gayland D. Robison. Pomegranate – A Versatile Fruit, College of Agriculture University of Nevada-Reno Nevada Cooperative Extension, Nevada Fact Sheet Number 86-8.
Section 5. Subsistence. Department of Defense 4145.19-R-1, 1979.

Authors

SuzAnne Jorgensen, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent; Charlotte Brennand, Food Safety/Preservation Specialist

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