Tips for choosing the best pomegranate

When choosing a pomegranate you have to take into account different factors: its origin, variety, size and appearance.

Weight is a factor to consider. It is better to choose pomegranates that are of a good size and that have a high weight compared to their size.

As for the appearance, we have to try to buy those pomegranates that have smooth, hard skin, that do not present cracks or wrinkles.

Regarding the color, do not be carried away by the first impression. As in life itself, there are times when appearances are deceiving and those that have an external appearance "more reddish, uniform and, apparently, more attractive" are usually pomegranates of other varieties. There are 500 varieties of pomegranates in the world but not all are the same and not all flavors or textures are identical... there are acid, semi-acid, sweet... with hard or soft seeds.

In the case of the mollar pomegranate from Elche, they are pomegranates with a sweet flavor and their seed is very soft, the seed can be eaten easily, its color is special and its quality is protected by the Denomination of Origin.

In short, the mollar pomegranate from Elche has a good interior and its exterior color is very characteristic of this variety.

Its color ranges from gold/cream to deep red and that is due to its position in the tree. That is, those that grow in the inner part are golden in color while those that are in the outer part and receive more sunlight will be redder.

But are the cream-colored ones the same, are they ripe? They are totally ready to be eaten, they are the same or it is even possible that their grains are even redder.

And the crown, is synonymous with quality? The crown is an aesthetic issue but it does not affect the quality of the pomegranate. In the case of the mollar pomegranate from Elche, the crown is pointed, it is not usually closed or round.

Do all pomegranates have Designation of Origin? The answer is not. The only pomegranate with a Protected Designation of Origin is the mollar pomegranate from Elche and, within this variety, those of the extra and first category are those that are sold with the stamp that indicates that it is a PDO pomegranate .

Conservation

Once purchased, pomegranates can be kept for several days at room temperature and, if they are not going to be consumed immediately, they can be stored in the refrigerator and their "life" will be extended for several weeks. In addition, you can also shell them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they will last a few more days. This way you can shell several (it doesn't take so much work and it's worth it) and you will always have the pomegranate grains available to add to your yogurts, salads, for breakfast, for dessert...

And remember that the ideal season to consume mollar pomegranates from Elche is from the end of September to January.

The land of pomegranates in Europe

Elche and the surrounding towns of the Vega Baja, L'Álacantí and Baix Vinalopó regions concentrate more than 75% of the national production of pomegranates and, in addition, this area is also known as the land of pomegranates in Europe. One of the best and most valued pomegranates in the world is grown here: the mollar pomegranate from Elche, which has the quality seal of the Protected Designation of Origin

The PDO badge protects the land where it is grown, the characteristics of this area and its pomegranates, which are different from the rest, and also recognizes the history, tradition, culture and wisdom that exist in the area and which are fundamental factors for cultivation and its characteristics. In fact, thanks to this centuries-old crop, farmers have been acquiring great experience and are the best connoisseurs of this fruit, the care it needs and how to treat it so that it reaches the market in the best conditions.