How Long Does Pomegranate Last?
A whole pomegranate lasts 1–2 months in the fridge or about 1 week on the counter. Loose pomegranate arils keep 3–5 days refrigerated and freeze well for 8–12 months.
Pomegranate — whole
shelf life- Cut: 3–5 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
A pomegranate is a leathery shell packed with hundreds of juice-filled seeds called arils. The thick rind and acidic juice make the whole fruit one of the best keepers in the produce section, lasting a month or more in the cold. The arils are a different story once removed: exposed and juicy, they ferment within days.
How to store pomegranate
- Refrigerate whole pomegranates loose or in a paper bag in the crisper; the skin will dry and harden over the weeks but the arils inside stay juicy.
- Choose fruit that feels heavy for its size with taut, slightly angular sides, which means the arils are swollen with juice.
- Remove arils in a bowl of water: the pith floats, the seeds sink, and juice stains stay contained. Drain and dry them before storing in a sealed container.
- Freeze arils in a single layer on a tray, then bag them; they can be sprinkled frozen over yogurt, oatmeal and salads.
How to tell if pomegranate has gone bad
- Arils that are brown, soft and mushy rather than firm, glossy red or pink.
- A smell of nail polish remover, alcohol or vinegar, which means the juice has fermented.
- A whole fruit that feels light, has soft dark patches or cracks with mold growing in them.
- Slimy liquid in the container of arils.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Pomegranate shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 1–2 months | Not recommended | 1 week |
| Cut | 3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not safe |
| Loose arils, homemade or store-bought once opened. Follow the date on sealed cups. | |||
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How long do pomegranate seeds last in the fridge?
Pomegranate seeds (arils) last 3–5 days in a sealed container in the fridge. They go downhill by fermenting: the seeds turn brownish and soft and smell like alcohol or nail polish remover. Sealed store-bought cups should be used by their printed date and within a few days of opening.
Do whole pomegranates need to be refrigerated?
Not strictly, but it pays off. A whole pomegranate keeps about 1 week at room temperature and 1–2 months in the fridge. Since pomegranates do not ripen after harvest, there is no advantage to leaving them out.
How can you tell if a pomegranate is bad inside?
Cut it open and look at the arils. Good ones are plump, translucent and red or pink. Brown, mushy arils, a sour or alcoholic smell, or mold in the white membrane mean that section has spoiled. If only a small pocket is affected, the firm, bright arils well away from it are usable.
Can you freeze pomegranate arils?
Yes. Dry the arils, freeze them on a tray, and store them in a freezer bag for 8–12 months at best quality. They soften a little when thawed but keep their flavor, and they are good used frozen as a topping or blended into smoothies.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oranges Whole |
3–4 weeks | Not recommended | 1 week |
| Grapefruit Whole |
3–6 weeks | Not recommended | 1 week |
| Cranberries Fresh |
3–4 weeks | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Grapes Whole |
1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | 1 day |
| Fruit Salad Homemade |
3–5 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Apples Whole |
4–6 weeks | Not recommended | 1–3 weeks |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.