A complete catalog of pomegranate varieties. 2024 rankings.

The pomegranate is a fruit plant. It grows primarily in tropical or subtropical climates. Its origins are believed to be Central Asia and Africa. There are many varieties of this crop. Pomegranates are also used as ornamental shrubs and can be trained into hedges. The fruit has a variety of uses. High-yielding pomegranates are grown for industrial processing, juice production, and fresh consumption.

Varieties of pomegranate

There are approximately 500 varieties of pomegranate. Breeders develop new varieties every year, focusing primarily on developing varieties resistant to most diseases. Pomegranates are grown in Crimea, Iran, and the Mediterranean region. In the wild, the fruit grows on the slopes of pine and oak forests.

They are divided depending on:

• forms;
• type;
• coloring.

The beans also come in a variety of colors and sizes. The main differences lie in the type of bush and the region of origin.

Almost all varieties have beautiful double or single flowers. The bark is usually brown. The shoots are crooked and quite short. The leaves are elongated. The color is light green. Surface:

• leathery;
• with a slight gloss.

The underside of the leaf is matte and has a central vein. The leaves have petioles that resemble an ellipse. The most common shape is:

• lanceolate;
• oblong.

The leaves can reach about 10 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. The plant blooms from May to August.

Garnet is divided into two main types:

• ordinary;
• Socotran.

Ordinary

The tree grows in subtropical climates and can bear fruit for about 50 years. A typical yield is about 60 kg. The bush reaches 6 meters in height. The branches are quite thin and have thorns. The fruit is about the size of an orange. The color ranges from yellow to dark red. The growing season lasts up to 8 months. The fruit ripens in 150 days.

However, there are also side effects. Pomegranate should not be consumed if you have the following conditions:

• Gastrointestinal tract;
• ulcers;
• erosions.

People with allergies should consume the fruit with caution. The flower is funnel-shaped and has numerous stamens. The flowers come in a variety of colors. Pomegranates have thick skin and are spherical in shape. A single fruit weighs 600-800 grams. Inside, the fruit is divided by partitions containing the seeds. The seeds contain seeds, which range in color from white to dark ruby.

The flavor is sweet and sour, the flesh is fleshy and juicy. A single fruit can contain up to 1,000 seeds. The tree grows in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and the Caucasus.

Socotrans

It grows primarily on the island of Socotra and is rarely found in the wild. The tree is evergreen and reaches a height of 4 meters. The leaves are oblong. The inflorescences are pink. The fruits contain a small amount of sugar. It prefers sandy soils and can grow at altitudes of up to 300 meters. It is not cultivated.

Depending on the variety, the fruits can be distinguished by their appearance.

The peel can be:

• scarlet;
• burgundy;
• yellow;
• orange.

The flesh can be white, pink, or raspberry. It has a sweeter taste. The pomegranate's flavor is influenced by the presence of sucrose and various acids.

Can be divided into:

• sweet (sugar content about 18%);
• sweet and sour (sugar content about 10%);
• sour (sugar content no more than 8%).

Flavor is most often influenced by the growing region, climate, and stage of ripeness of the fruit. Pomegranates require sufficient warmth and light to grow.

The main characteristics of sweet fruits:

• the presence of a dark burgundy color in the peel;
• no damage to the skin;
• sufficient fruit weight (at least 150 g);
• lignification of the peduncle;
• absence of unpleasant odor.

The sweetest varieties:

1. Dholka, grown in India. The beans are predominantly dark in color.
2. Akhmar, grows in Iran, the grains are pinkish-red in color
3. Nar-shirin, grows in Iran, the grains can be light or crimson in color.

Yellow pomegranates have a sweet taste and are virtually acid-free. The seeds are light pink. When purchasing a yellow pomegranate, make sure the peel is intact. It should be free of dents and damage.

The most popular

All existing pomegranate varieties can be divided into two subgroups. Fruits belonging to Group 1 have hard seeds. These varieties grow in warm climates. Group 2 plants have soft seeds. They are quite sensitive and can die if the soil they grow in is unsuitable.

The main ones include:

1. Sweet mangulati. Origin: Israel. The average fruit weight is 200 g. The pulp has a sweet taste. This tree is a symbol of love in Israel. It is often used for cosmetic purposes.
2. Akdona. Mainly grown in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The bush is quite compact. The Asian fruit is flattened. It weighs up to 500 g. The skin has a raspberry hue. The seeds are long and pink. The juice from the fruit is pink and contains a high sugar content (15%). The fruits ripen in October. A single bush yields 25 kg.
3. Achik Anor. This red pomegranate was bred by Uzbek breeders. The average fruit weight is 400 g. The flesh is sweet with a slight tartness. Its main distinguishing feature is its dark green skin.
4. Baby. Also known as the "Carthage Apple," it's grown in the Mediterranean region. Its small size makes it suitable for growing on windowsills. The leaves are glossy, and the branches have small spines. The fruit ranges in color from orange to dark. The bush grows to about 60 cm tall. It requires regular pruning. In the fall, the foliage falls off. The plant requires a dormant period.
5. Carthage. Native to Carthage. It has a long flowering period and can be grown indoors. The leaves are green. The fruits are not edible. The plant requires pruning.
6. Nana. This variety was brought from Iran. It grows to a height of no more than 1 m. The leaves are green. The shrub bears oblong flowers. The fruits are elongated and have a sweet and sour taste. It requires regular watering and a warm climate.
7. Bedana. An evergreen shrub with small fruits. It prefers hot and dry climates.
8. Improved Kazak. The fruits are round. The skin is dark. The rind is thin, and the seeds are red. The flavor is predominantly sweet.
9. Heleisha Pink. Developed by Azerbaijani breeders. The bush grows to 3 meters tall. The branches are covered with numerous thorns. The fruits come in various shapes, with an average weight of about 300 g.

The fruits have a shelf life of about 5-6 months and are mainly sold in Azerbaijan.

Frost-resistant

Pomegranate is a heat-loving plant. It can withstand short frosts down to -15°C. ^OS. But even frost-resistant varieties rarely survive cold winters. At temperatures of -17 ^OThe plant dies. Low temperatures damage the fruiting shoots. The entire lower part freezes. In warm winters, the plant overwinters peacefully.

The main frost-resistant options:

1. Ak Dona Crimean. The peel is yellow-red with small specks. The shape is quite flattened. The interior is yellow. The pomegranate is pink in color. The flavor is slightly tart. The tree has a wide crown, requiring regular pruning. It is grown in Crimea and Central Asia.
2. Red Gulyusha. The bush grows to about 3 meters tall. The average weight is 400 grams. The seeds are pink in color and have a sweet and sour taste. The pomegranate ripens in October. It is grown primarily for its juice. When grown in temperate climates, winter protection is necessary.
3. Pink Galusha. Developed in Azerbaijan. Fruit weight is approximately 300 g. Can be used for juice extraction and various sauces. The flavor is unique.
4. Nikitsky Early Pomegranate. Developed in Crimea. Winter cover is essential. Nikitsky produces large fruits.

It is primarily grown for its juice and fresh consumption. The photographs show the tree itself and its fruit.

With light grains

Fruits with light-colored seeds are called white pomegranates. However, pure white flesh is impossible to find. It comes in various shades. This fruit is considered a valuable source of trace elements and vitamins. The beneficial properties of pomegranates have long been known. Vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system and help fight serious illnesses.

These are sweet varieties:

1. Dholka, grown in India. A low bush with white seeds. Sweet flavor.
2. Akhmar is grown in Iran. The bush grows up to 4 meters tall. The fruits have thick skins. The cream-colored beans have a pleasant flavor.
3. Akdona. A large shrub growing in Central Asia. The fruits weigh approximately 200-300 g. The seeds are elongated, pale pink, and have a sweet taste.
4. Thuja tish. A hybrid of the Akdona variety. The skin is light yellow. The seeds are small and contain a large amount of vitamins.

Pomegranate seeds contain iodine, potassium, phosphorus, and a variety of vitamins. The fruit contains 15 amino acids, making it a favorite among vegetarians.

Seedless

Seedless varieties are virtually nonexistent in nature. There are just some varieties with very small seeds. These fruits yield 25% more juice than others. They are eaten fresh and used to make juice.

The most popular:

1. Wonderful. This variety isn't the most productive, but it's prized for its excellent flavor. The beans are small. The fruits are not large, weighing around 200g. It's grown in Israel and Peru.
2. The Mollar de Elche is popular in Spain. The fruits are large, weighing around 800 g. The skin is thin and pink. The flavor is pleasant.

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These are the main varieties; there are others, but they are not widespread and are almost impossible to find for sale.

Indoor

Pomegranate is an easy-to-grow plant. However, when growing it, it requires comfortable conditions. In Russia, it grows only on the Crimean Peninsula. Only dwarf varieties can be grown indoors.

In such conditions, pomegranates become houseplants. The harvest of "houseplants" is virtually nonexistent. Their main advantage lies in their decorative qualities. This plant is favored by bonsai enthusiasts and experimental gardeners.

Peculiarities:

1. To grow pomegranate at home, you need to use nutritious soil.
2. The seeds germinate in 2-2.5 months.
3. As soon as young shoots appear, the pot must be moved to the warmest place where sunlight reaches.
4. The plant requires regular watering and fertilizing. During the cold season, the tree sheds its leaves.

During the dormant period, the plant is moved to a cool room. After the pomegranate has finished blooming, it is repotted. The plant can be pruned if necessary. The most popular variety in Russia is 'Carthage.' In the US, it is 'Eighth Ball.' The fruit has an unusual purple hue. The pomegranate has excellent flavor.