Pomegranate Safety Inspection

Pomegranates are sometimes treated with color enhancers to make them appear deeper red and more attractive, or picked unripe and treated to develop color artificially. **1. The Color Intensity Check:** Natural pomegranates have color variation - some parts are brighter red, some are pinkish. If the entire fruit has an unnaturally uniform, deep red or purple color (especially on the hard skin), it may be dye-treated. **2. The Wet Cloth Rub Test:** Dampen a white cloth or tissue and rub the outer skin vigorously. If red or pink color transfers to the cloth, it indicates surface dye treatment. Natural pomegranates won't leave color stains. **3. The Seed Color-Taste Test:** Cut open the pomegranate. Natural ripe pomegranates have deep red, almost crimson arils (seeds) that taste sweet-tart. If the outer skin is bright red but arils inside are pale pink or whitish with sour/bland taste, it was picked unripe and artificially colored. **4. The Shine Check:** Natural pomegranates have a matte, slightly rough texture. If the skin looks unnaturally shiny or has a glossy finish, it may have been coated with chemicals. **5. The Crown Check:** Look at the crown (top part) where the flower was. Natural ripe pomegranates have a dried, brown crown. If the crown is still fresh/green but the fruit is deep red, it indicates artificial ripening.