how to tell when pomegranates are ripe?

[kaybee]

How can I tell if pomegranates are ripe? the ones at home are always deep red, but the ones in the shops here (italy) are whitish/yellowish with just tinges of red. i think theyre in season now, but are these ripe and just a different variety from the ones at home? if not, will they ripen if i put them in the sun or will they only ripen if still on the tree??

thanks

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Kaybee,

Check out this website and see if it helps :)

http://www.pomegranates.org/home.shtml

It says the fruit is about the size of an apple with a leathery deep red to purplish red rind. The most common variety is the Wonderful or the Red Wonderful.

It gives instructions, with photos on how to open one up and to remove the fruit. Also says they are available Sept. - January.

[luckitri]

Thanks Helen of Tennessee! My thumbs are sore from all the poms I have been eating the wrong way!