Pomegranate (Anar / Dalimb)

Anar from the Ahmednagar belt, which is pomegranate country, picked once the fruit has actually coloured on the plant. Dalimb like this has heavy arils, dark juice and skin that feels tight rather than papery.

Nothing is gassed or ripened in a chamber. It comes off our farmer members' plots and reaches Pune the next day, so the fruit has not spent three weeks in a cold room losing its taste.

Eaten as it is, deseeded into a bowl for children, scattered over matki koshimbir, or juiced. Available in 1kg and 2kg, roughly two to three fruits to a kilo.

Holds a week on the counter and longer in the fridge. More in fresh fruits, and the day's vegetable list is worth a look while you order.

Frequently asked questions

How do I pick a good pomegranate

Weight tells you more than colour does. A heavy fruit with flat sides is full of juice, a light round one is drying out.

What is the quickest way to deseed one

Score the skin into quarters and open it inside a bowl of water. The arils sink and the pith floats.