Because pomegranates are a pricey fruit that stains clothes and fingers just to get to the edible part, people sometimes shy away from it. Inside the leathery skin, pomegranates have hundreds of red, juicy seeds, known as arils, the only edible part of the fruit. The seeds are sprinkled on top of savory meat dishes, salads and desserts, or pureed to use as a sauce, jelly or juice. Pomegranates are also an excellent source of dietary fiber and high in potassium and vitamin C. Pomegranates can last a long time when stored properly.

Keep whole fresh pomegranate at room temperature for up three weeks, out of direct sunlight. Pomegranates will ripen at room temperature, so this is not recommended for fruit that is already fully ripe.

Place whole pomegranate in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh for up to two months. Refrigerate just the seeds by cutting the pomegranate in half and removing them over a bowl. Place the seeds in a plastic resealable bag and store in the refrigerator.

Freeze the pomegranate seeds by placing them on a cookie sheet in a single layer and placing it in the freezer. Once the seeds are fully frozen, store them in an airtight freezer bag and store for up to a year.