How to Store Pomegranates and Keep Them Fresh

By Manhattan Milk | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to store pomegranates to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh. Simple tips for whole and cut fruit.

Quick answer

Store whole pomegranates in a cool, dry, dark place for up to two weeks, or refrigerate them for up to two months. Once cut, keep the arils in an airtight container in the fridge and use within a week.

Why pomegranate storage matters

Pomegranates are a unique fruit because their tough, leathery skin protects the juicy arils inside. But that skin can only do so much. Proper storage keeps the arils from drying out or spoiling, so you get the most out of every fruit.

Whole vs. cut: different rules

A whole pomegranate is far more forgiving than one that's been cut open. Once you break the skin, the arils are exposed to air and bacteria. That's why storage advice splits into two paths: one for the whole fruit and one for the arils.

How to store pomegranates step by step

Check for soft spots before storage: Examine each pomegranate. Discard any that have soft spots, cracks, or mold. One bad fruit can spoil others nearby. A single damaged pomegranate can shorten the shelf life of the whole batch.
Store whole pomegranates in a cool, dark place: Place them in a mesh bag or a bowl in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. Ideal temperature is 60–70°F (15–21°C). They'll stay fresh for 2–3 weeks. Avoid the refrigerator for whole fruit unless you plan to keep them longer than 3 weeks.
Refrigerate whole pomegranates for extended storage: Put them in a plastic bag with a few small holes for airflow, then store in the crisper drawer. They'll keep for 1–2 months. Check every week and remove any that start to soften. Refrigeration slows ripening but can cause the skin to dry out slightly — the arils inside will still be fine.
Cut and store arils separately: Score the skin, break the fruit open underwater (to reduce juice splatter), and pop out the arils. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 5–7 days. Arils stored in a sealed container last longer than those left exposed, but they will still lose moisture over time.
Freeze arils for long-term storage: Spread arils in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen arils last 6–12 months and are great for smoothies or baking. Thawed arils will be softer than fresh — best used in recipes rather than for snacking.

Product facts

Pomegranate: Our pomegranates are deliciously sweet and contain high levels of antioxidants. Because they're naturally sweet, you can store them without worrying about added sugars spoiling faster — the fruit's own sugars are stable when stored correctly.
Pomegranate