Once a pomegranate tree is planted, its fruit begins to develop after approximately one year. You can recognize a pomegranate by its round shape, hard yellow and red colored outer skin, and by its unusual interior flesh that contains many small edible seeds. A semi-sweet pulp that can also be eaten surrounds each of these interior seeds. Additionally, both the seeds and pulp are embedded in a clear membrane. This membrane, although it is also edible, is not very flavorful and is typically not eaten.
Pomegranates range in size from three to five inches in length.
Although pomegranates contain many seeds, the pulp that surrounds the seeds is very tasty and has a tangy flavor. Additionally, the fruit is very juicy. Common uses for the pomegranate include eating the fruit raw, using the seeds as dessert toppings, and pressing the seeds and pulp to make a juice from them. Commercial manufacturers also use pomegranate juice to make salad dressings, wines, jellies, and syrups. You may be able to purchase these commercial products at specialty food stores and markets.