Life Cycle
Every spring in POM Wonderful’s orchards, the Wonderful pomegranate begins its life cycle, transforming from a delicately fragrant blossom into a beautiful crimson orb containing a treasure of ruby-like arils inside.
- Blossom
In May, the red petals of the pomegranate tree, crumpled from their confinement in the bud, exude a delicate fragrance that attracts bees to pollinate the flowers. So begins the remarkable change from flower to fruit.
- Maturation
At summer’s end, the petals from each pollinated pomegranate blossom wither and fall, revealing a royal crown that adorns the top of the forming fruit. After a burst of growth, the pomegranate’s shape begins to emerge. Hot, sunny days will ripen the inside, while cool nights will cause the rind to deepen from green to red. After several more weeks, the pomegranate will acquire its signature crimson color and sweet flavor. - Harvest
In October, POM Wonderful’s orchards are bursting with thousands of acres of ripe pomegranates. The pericarp, or rind, that surrounds the fruit is now a tough and leathery barrier, smooth yet firm to the touch, that protects the magnificent ruby-colored interior. The pomegranate’s many chambers are filled with nutrient-rich arils, each containing sweet juice and a small edible seed. POM Wonderful handpicks and ships only the finest quality pomegranates to stores nationwide and to 55 countries.
- Season
The Wonderful pomegranate season lasts from October through January. The Wonderful variety of pomegranate is a fall fruit and November has been designated as National Pomegranate Month to celebrate its arrival.
