Pomegranates have become an increasingly popular fruit around the world in recent years, prized for their sweet-tart flavor, vibrant red color, and numerous health benefits. But with dozens of varieties grown across several continents, which pomegranates truly stand out above the rest? I embarked on a global quest to find the best pomegranates that this wonderful fruit has to offer.
What Makes a Great Pomegranate?
When evaluating pomegranates, some key factors I looked for included:
-
Flavor – The perfect balance of sweet yet slightly tart taste. The juices should be rich and full-bodied.
-
Texture – Pomegranates should have a satisfying crunch but tender, juicy arils inside. The membranes should be thin and soft.
-
Color – Vibrant ruby red color is ideal, both in the arils and juicy seed pods. Dull or brown coloring is undesirable.
-
Seeds – Minimal hard yellowish seeds are best. The arils should make up the majority inside.
-
Size – Larger pomegranates tend to have juicier arils and higher overall fruit yield. Average size is about 5-6 inches wide.
-
Growing Region – The climate and soil conditions affect pomegranate quality. Certain regions are renowned for their production.
With these criteria in mind, I scoured the globe for pomegranate varieties with exceptional taste, texture, and appearance. After extensive research, tastings, and consultations with experts, I narrowed it down to the world’s top four pomegranates.
The World’s Top Pomegranates
1. Armenian Pomegranate
Native to the fertile valleys of Armenia, this variety has been cultivated for thousands of years. The Armenian pomegranate is prized for its soft seeds, rich flavor, vibrant color, and large size, often over 1 pound The fruits ripen gradually through the fall, developing tangy-sweet juice and a complex aroma Armenian pomegranates are so revered that the fruit is featured on coins, stamps, and folk art in Armenia.
2. Al-Baha Pomegranate
Grown in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia, this variety thrives in the desert climate. Al-Baha pomegranates have a bright red color and refreshing sweet-tart taste. The arils have a notably soft, juicy texture and deep crimson color. The fruits are also impressively large, averaging over 1 pound each. Al-Baha pomegranates are a signature agricultural product of the region.
3. Granada Mollar de Elche
Hailing from the province of Alicante in eastern Spain, this variety has received protected designation of origin status. Granada Mollar de Elche pomegranates are prized for their thin skin, tender arils, and sweet flavor with just a touch of acidity. The fruits are smaller in size but yield abundant ruby red arils that are juicy and crunchy. They ripen in summer-fall and are used to make grenadine syrup and other products.
4. Kandahar Pomegranate
Believed to be one of the oldest pomegranate varieties, Kandahar originates from Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. This variety is renowned for its large fruit size, often over 1 pound, and intricate deep red color Kandahar pomegranates are also noted for their soft seeds, rich flavor, wide harvest period, and good keeping quality. The fruits mature in early-mid fall and are a staple crop in Afghanistan
Other Notable Varieties
While the above emerged as my top four, other pomegranate varieties around the world are also beloved for their superb quality:
-
Wonderful – Most widely grown commercial variety in the USA. Large ruby red fruits.
-
Mollar de Elche – Another top Spanish variety, great for juicing.
-
Izmir – Popular variety from Turkey, late harvest fruit.
-
Shirin – One of the sweetest Iranian varieties, with soft seeds.
-
Ganesh – Major cultivar from India, prized for juicy arils.
-
Cloud – Uniquely creamy white arils, grown in California.
The Hunt Continues
The search for the world’s best pomegranates was an illuminating journey across cultures. I discovered ancient varieties cherished for generations alongside relatively new cultivars specially bred for optimal quality. While the four profiled here impressed me most overall, tasted side by side on a given day preferences may vary. The global diversity of pomegranates is something to be celebrated, as there are so many wonderful options to enjoy. My hunt will surely continue as I keep sampling these delightful fruits from around the world.
Top 3 Pomegranate Varieties | NatureHills.com
FAQ
Which country has the best pomegranates?
Which is the best pomegranate?
Where do the best pomegranates come from?
What is the perfect pomegranate?
Which pomegranates grow best?
‘Ariana’ is another good option for limited growing space. It is a great producer of medium to large, bright red pomegranates with dark red arils. The flavor of ‘Ariana’ pomegranates is rich, somewhat tart, but still sweet. It has very tiny, soft seeds that are perfect for fresh eating. Late harvest. 3. ‘Wonderful’
Are pomegranates ‘wonderful’?
If you see a pomegranate in a grocery store, it’s probably ‘Wonderful’. It’s by far the most common pomegranate for commercial production, especially in the U.S. Even though it’s a common variety, I grow ‘Wonderful’ myself because home-grown pomegranates taste vastly superior to store-bought.
Are pomegranates cold tolerant?
This is a very sweet variety, but it still has the characteristic tartness of a pomegranate. Most pomegranate cultivars grow easily in hardiness zones 8-11 (down to about 10°F), but some are suited to zone 7 (5°F), or can even be pushed into zone 6! The following varieties are some of the most cold-tolerant you can grow.
Are pomegranates Hardy?
Many pomegranate trees are hardy to zone 7b or 8 (10°F), but some are more sensitive to frosts around 18°F. Luckily, pomegranates blossom mid- to late-spring, so they are less prone to frost damage than some other earlier-flowering fruit trees (like apricots).
What pomegranate trees can you grow in a pot?
These are the most petite pomegranate trees. You can grow just about any pomegranate variety in a pot (as long as it’s big enough), but the following cultivars will stay naturally smaller: ‘Red Silk’ – This is a natural dwarf pomegranate tree that will grow up to 6 feet tall and can tolerate a lot of pruning.
What zone do pomegranates grow in?
‘Desertnyi’ – See description above. This is a very sweet variety, but it still has the characteristic tartness of a pomegranate. Most pomegranate cultivars grow easily in hardiness zones 8-11 (down to about 10°F), but some are suited to zone 7 (5°F), or can even be pushed into zone 6!