How and where is it better to store pomegranates at home, recommendations
Pomegranate fruits appear on store shelves in the fall. Its grains have beneficial qualities. They contain amino acids, vitamins, minerals. Therefore, many housewives try to keep healthy berries for a long time, using some tricks. There are certain rules and methods for choosing a pomegranate and keeping it. Learn how to properly store pomegranates at home.
Rules for choosing a pomegranate for long-term storage
The original qualities of the product can be retained until the next harvest, provided that the right choice is made, that the conditions are respected during storage. So that the pieces do not lose their juiciness, taste, determine the ripeness of the crop.
The main parameters by which ripe and juicy fruits are distinguished:
- Peel - depending on the variety, it may have a different color. In ripe fruits, it is uniform, without characteristic spots and other shades. Uniformity is the sign of a healthy harvest. The ripe berry is covered with a thin, dry skin, through which the seeds are easily probed. If moisture is detected, additional drying of the pomegranate will be required.
- The crown - in ripe fruits it is dry and open. An unripe pomegranate has a green crown.
- Grains - ripe seeds crack slightly with light pressure.
- Weight - the high quality of the product is guaranteed if the fruit has an impressive weight. Light berries indicate that there is little juice in the seeds, they have begun to dry out.
When choosing a mature culture, pay attention to the absence of brown spots, rotten fragments, cracks. These signs only appear on defective products.
Optimal storage conditions
For long-term storage of pomegranate fruits, shaded areas with optimum humidity and temperature are chosen. Any places or rooms where the air temperature is + 1 ... + 10 are suitable. It can be a basement, a cellar, a refrigerator. Dry air negatively affects the quality of the fruit, the seeds dry out. With excess moisture, the pomegranate rots and deteriorates.
Parts should not be exposed to direct sunlight, bright light. A balcony without insulation is also not suitable. In refrigeration equipment, the storage temperature is maintained at + 1 ... + 5. Thus, exotic berries are kept whole for a month.
Storage methods and conditions
After purchase, the guarantor is left at room temperature, placed on the balcony, in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Each storage condition has its own characteristics.
On the balcony
In winter, pomegranates are left only on the glazed and insulated balcony. The temperature on it should be +5. Each fruit is wrapped in paper. They are stacked in a single layer in a pre-prepared box or cardboard box. Several holes are pre-cut in it.
To prevent the sun's rays from falling on the berries, they are covered with a layer of fabric or a piece of cardboard.In this form, pomegranates will keep for about 5 months. To reduce the evaporation of moisture from the fruit, the crown is poured with a clay mixture, left to dry completely and away from light sources.
In the fridge
Fruits are harvested on the lower shelf of refrigeration equipment. The main condition is to maintain optimum humidity. Do not put the product in a plastic bag, as condensation buildup will cause it to rot. The optimum humidity is 75-85%.
At a temperature of + 4 ... + 6, the crop is stored for several months. At low temperature: +1 - up to 9 months. The fruits are wrapped in sheets of paper, ensuring that they do not come into contact with each other. Otherwise, rot and damage will occur.
In the freezer
In frozen form, the grains are stored for a year, but at the same time they lose some of their useful properties. Whole fruit or peeled almonds can be stored frozen. But individual seeds take up minimal storage space. Slightly damaged fruit can be stored frozen. They are cleaned, spoiled grains are removed, placed in storage containers and placed in the freezer. Observe the temperature regime -18. It is convenient to store fragile almonds in plastic containers that can withstand freezing temperatures.
During storage, observe the vicinity of the goods (away from fish, seafood). You don't need to wash the beans before freezing them. For convenience, they are laid out in portions, since refreezing cannot be allowed.
In a clay pot
Southern fruits can be stored for a long time using the unusual method using clay. Select only whole specimens without damage, stains and other neoplasms.The tail should be dry and brown in color.
A mixture of clay and water is prepared. The consistency should resemble thick sour cream. The upper part of the fruit is lowered into the resulting solution, dipping the crown. Spread on a dry surface, wait for the clay to dry completely. On the second day, the manipulations are repeated. Berries are sent for storage in a dry place.
Additional tips and tricks
To keep the pomegranate for a long time, it is periodically sorted, spoiled parts are removed. Peeled southern fruits can be kept for 4 days. It is advisable to use it during this period. In the absence of a basement or cellar, pomegranates perfectly retain their original qualities at room temperature or on the balcony.
By observing proper storage conditions, you can enjoy healthy pomegranate seeds all year round until the next harvest. Freezing is the only way to preserve cut fruit for a long time.