What Is a White Pomegranate?

The white pomegranate has pale, pinkish-white skin and very pale white flesh, and is a particularly sweet and juicy variety of the fruit. Like other varieties of pomegranate, it is high in fiber, a good source of vitamins B5 and C, and potassium. White pomegranates are also a good ornamental choice for gardeners.

Edible portions of a pomegranate include the seeds and surrounding protective coating, known as the aril. Use a knife to break open the pomegranate, and separate the arils from the fruit's membrane. The simplest and least messy way of doing this is by immersing the pomegranate in a bowl of water. The arils will sink to the bottom while the membrane will float to the surface. The seeds and arils are then consumed raw, either as a snack or an addition to a salad. They can also be dried for later snacking.

The sweet flavor of the white pomegranate makes it more appealing to many than the tart flavor of other types of pomegranate. The more agreeable flavor is a benefit for individuals interested in eating pomegranates and drinking pomegranate juice for health reasons. Although studies are ongoing, researchers believe that pomegranates and pomegranate juice may reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and even slow the growth of prostate cancer and dental plaque. Pomegranate does seem to contain antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Everyone eating white pomegranates or drinking white pomegranate juice for health should look carefully at medications they take. Pomegranates may interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, such as the blood thinner Coumadin, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Individuals interested in pomegranate juice for health benefits should look for no sugar added, 100 percent juice.

White pomegranates are relatively easy to grow in the right climate. Two white pomegranate cultivars are Muscat White and Paper Shell. Both are sweet and produce well.

Pomegranate trees are long lived and tolerant of drought. They do well in a variety of soils. The fruit is ready for harvest about seven months after flowering. When harvesting, use clippers to cut the fruit close to the base. Any stem left on the fruit can damage it during storage.

The fruit does well in storage, becoming more flavorful during this time. They can remain in storage for up to seven months in cool temperatures and high humidity. High temperatures or humidity levels above 95 percent dramatically decrease the storage life of pomegranates.