Pomegranates are a delicious and nutritious fruit that have been enjoyed for centuries. However, like any fresh produce, pomegranates can go bad. Knowing how to identify signs of spoilage in pomegranates can help you avoid wasting money on bad fruit. This article will walk you through what to look for when checking if a pomegranate has gone bad. We’ll cover signs to look for on the outside of the fruit, what to check when opening it, how to tell if the arils have spoiled, and more. With these tips, you’ll be able to confidently determine if that pomegranate is still good to eat or if it should be discarded.
How to Tell if a Whole Pomegranate is Bad
When selecting a whole pomegranate at the grocery store or market, there are a few signs on the exterior that can indicate spoilage. Here’s what to look for:
Mold
Mold growth is one of the most obvious indicators that a pomegranate has gone bad. Mold will appear as blue, green, white, or black fuzz or spots on the outer rind. This is a clear sign that the fruit should not be eaten. Even if you tried to salvage the arils from a moldy pomegranate, the spores could spread to the interior seeds, making them unsafe as well.
Soft or Sunken Spots
Press gently on the pomegranate’s skin. It should feel firm with no indented or soft spots. Softness or sunken areas mean the interior arils are starting to break down, and the pomegranate should be avoided.
Wilting
A fresh pomegranate has a plump, round shape. If the fruit appears misshapen, wrinkled or wilted, this indicates it is past its prime. Dehydration causes the water loss that leads to wilting.
Cuts or Punctures
Any nicks, cuts or punctures in the outer skin expose the interior to potential contaminants. These damaged areas provide entry points for decay-causing mold and bacteria. A pomegranate with skin breaks should not be purchased.
Dark or Discolored Rind
The rind of a fresh pomegranate is bright and vibrant in color. It may be deep pink, bright red or even yellowish. A dull, brownish or grayish rind is a sign that the fruit is too old and oxidization has started.
What to Look For When Opening a Pomegranate
Once you’ve inspected the exterior and determined the pomegranate is free from signs of spoilage, it’s time to open it up. Cutting into the pomegranate provides more opportunities to check for problems:
Discoloration
The white pith underneath the rind should look fresh and bright, not brown or grayish. Darkened pith indicates rot has started from the interior. The red juice sacs or arils should also maintain their color without browning.
Sliminess
A usual amount of moisture is normal for a pomegranate’s interior. However, excessive sliminess or stickiness signals fermentation and decay. The pith should not have a soaked, soggy consistency.
Mold
Examine the cut fruit closely under good lighting. Even a small section of visible mold growth, like a bluish-green fuzz, necessitates discarding the entire pomegranate. Mold spreads quickly to contaminate areas that appear unaffected.
Off Odors
A good pomegranate has a sweet, tart aroma when opened. If you notice any rancid, fermented smells, this indicates microbial growth and spoilage.
Signs that Pomegranate Arils Have Gone Bad
The edible juicy arils are the ultimate test for freshness. Here’s what to look for when checking the seeds themselves:
Dry or Shriveled Arils
Fresh pomegranate arils should be plump and pop when bitten. Dry, shriveled seeds lack juiciness and flavor. Dehydration happens as the fruit ages past its prime.
Bitter or Fermented Taste
The arils of a good pomegranate will taste sweet and tart. A bitter, fermented taste is a sure sign of spoilage; harmful microbes produce these unfavorable compounds.
Discoloration
While pomegranate seeds can naturally vary in color from rich red to pink or near-white, uniform browning across all arils indicates oxidation and staleness.
Mold Growth
Finally, check arils carefully for any furry-looking mold. Toxic mold can come in green, gray, yellow, brown, and other hues. Never eat moldy pomegranate seeds, even if they were removed from moldy sections.
How to Store Pomegranates to Maximize Freshness
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of fresh pomegranates:
Refrigerate Uncut Pomegranates
Keep whole, uncut pomegranates chilled at 32°F to 41°F degrees. The cold environment slows ripening and bacterial growth. Refrigerate promptly after purchase.
Do Not Wash Before Storing
Washing removes the fruit’s natural protective coating. Store dry, unwashed pomegranates in air-tight bags.
Use Within 2 Weeks
Stored properly in the fridge, fresh pomegranates will keep for up to two weeks. Discard any that become moldy or damaged.
Store Cut Arils in Airtight Container
Once opened and seeded, pomegranate arils can be kept refrigerated for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Check for moisture buildup and discard if moldy.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
For storage beyond 5 days, arils can be frozen in a single layer on a tray before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen arils will keep for 6-12 months.
What Causes Pomegranates to Spoil?
There are a few common culprits that lead to pomegranate spoilage:
Fungal Growth
Molds and yeast naturally occur on fruit skin. With time, they can grow out of control, causing rots and fermentation. Internal mold is extremely hazardous.
Bacterial Contamination
Bacteria populations multiply over time, producing foul odors, slime, and discoloration. Salmonella and E. coli are examples of bacteria that can infect produce.
Physical Damage
Injury from rough handling, drops, or cuts creates entry points for microbes. Decay often starts at sites of mechanical damage.
Improper Storage
Allowing pomegranates to get too warm accelerates microbial and enzymatic processes that lead to faster decay. Chilling delays these detrimental changes.
Senescence
Like all fruit, pomegranates have a natural lifespan and slowly deteriorate as cells lose structural integrity. Enzymes also break down components over time.
Can You Eat a Pomegranate That is Slightly Bad?
We do not recommend eating pomegranates that show any signs of spoilage. Consuming decayed or moldy produce can cause foodborne illness. Even sections that appear unaffected can harbor pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. When in doubt, throw it out. The risk is simply not worth it.
Dangerous Microbial Growth
Mold, bacteria, and yeast produce toxic byproducts that cannot be destroyed through washing or cooking. These can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
Risk of Allergic Reaction
Microbial growth also increases histamine levels in some fruits and vegetables. This can trigger dangerous allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Off-Flavors & Poor Texture
At best, a spoiled pomegranate will simply taste unappealing and have an odd mouthfeel. There is no benefit to forcing yourself to eat a subpar product.
What to Do If a Pomegranate Tastes Bad?
If you bite into a pomegranate and find it tastes rotten, bitter, or fermented, stop eating it right away. You should also:
Spit It Out
Immediately spit out any portion you’ve put into your mouth to prevent swallowing harmful microbes or byproducts. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
Throw Away Remainder
Discard any leftover arils down garbage disposal. Never reseal and refrigerate pomegranate arils after they’ve been exposed to your mouth’s bacteria.
Wash Hands
Wash hands with soap and hot water after handling to avoid accidental spread of pathogens to surfaces or other foods.
Monitor for Symptoms
Be alert for any signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever in the next 48 hours. See a doctor if severe or persisting.
How to Salvage a Pomegranate With Slight Mold
If a whole pomegranate has a small section of visible surface mold, you may be able to salvage the remainder by taking these careful precautions:
Do Not Attempt With Soft Spots
Any pomegranate with actual rotten spots or very soft areas should be fully discarded, no exceptions. Internal decay means pathogens have taken hold.
Cut Away Visible Mold
Use a clean knife to cut out the moldy portion. Remove at least 1-2 inches surrounding the entire affected area. Discard trimmings.
Disinfect Knife
Thoroughly wash and sanitize cutting knife before making any other cuts to avoid cross-contamination. Bleach or vinegar work well.
Inspect Interior
Closely examine the inner arils and pith for any coloring or spread of mold. If ANY sign, discard all contents.
Enjoy Remainder Promptly
If no mold penetrated internally, the pomegranate should be safe to enjoy after trimming. Eat the salvaged portion as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Checking for signs of spoilage and promptly discarding bad pomegranates helps avoid foodborne illness. Look for mold, soft spots, wrinkling, and discoloration externally. Inside, watch for slime, decay, odor, and mold. Eating even a small amount of a bad pomegranate can make you sick. With close inspection and proper refrigerated storage, you can spot potential problems and keep pomegranates fresh. Being able to identify when a pomegranate has gone bad gives you confidence that your fruit is delicious and safe to enjoy.
