When fresh pomegranate season starts and ends
There’s good reason pomegranates might feel like a fall fruit rather than a year-round staple. Fresh pomegranate season runs late September through early January with peak availability and flavor in October and November. Here’s a breakdown of the full season timeline and what to do once fresh pomegranates finally return to the store.
By December, pomegranates are still on shelves but supply thins out as the harvest winds down. Early January typically marks the end of fresh domestic availability until the next fall.
How long is fresh pomegranate season?
The full window spans roughly three and a half months, from late September through early January. Peak flavor and peak volume both land in October and November, when the fruit is most consistently available and at its best quality.
Outside that peak window, at the very start or very end of the season, pomegranates are still available but less consistent in size and ripeness.
Fresh pomegranate season by state
California grows the vast majority of the U.S. pomegranate crop. Harvest begins late September and peaks in October.
Texas, Florida, and Arizona also grow pomegranates, generally on a similar fall timeline to California, though regional harvest windows can shift by a few weeks depending on local climate.
If you’re shopping for fresh, whole pomegranates rather than juice, availability in any of these states tracks closely with the broader September-through-January window.
What to do once pomegranates are in season
Fresh pomegranates are the source for arils (pomegranate seeds) you’ll use in salads, yogurt bowls, and snacking through the fall and winter. Once you’ve got fresh fruit, the underwater method is the easiest way to open one without a mess.
Outside the fresh season, POM Wonderful® 100% Pomegranate Juice is whole-pressed to release the polyphenols in the rind, pith, and arils to optimize its potential antioxidant benefits, so the fruit’s benefits aren’t limited to a few months a year.
Catch it at its peak
Fresh pomegranate season runs late September through early January, with October and November as the sweet spot for fresh fruit, especially out of California. Our pomegranate arils are available nearly year-round, with California grown Wonderful variety pomegranate arils available from mid-October through February, and Wonderful variety pomegranate arils from South America available from March through July, all with our iconic sweet, tart taste. Outside that window, POM Wonderful® 100% Pomegranate Juice keeps the same fruit in the fridge year-round.
Ready to shop? Drink to your health with a bottle on hand whether or not fresh pomegranates are in season near you.
