Isla Bennett
Pomegranates are a unique fruit with a vibrant reddish-to-purplish colour and thick skin. While they are usually known for their sweet-tart taste, some people have reported that their pomegranates smell and taste like nail polish remover (acetone) or alcohol. This unpleasant odour and taste are caused by the breakdown of sugars in the fruit by yeasts and indicate that the pomegranates have gone bad. It is recommended that such pomegranates be discarded and a refund be obtained if they were purchased from a store.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Like nail polish remover (acetone) or alcohol |
| Taste | Like nail polish remover (acetone) or alcohol |
| Appearance | Brown and mushy |
| Cause | Yeasts breaking down sugars from the fruit |
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What You'll Learn
- Pomegranates smell like nail polish remover when they've gone bad
- Yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit can cause the smell
- Store-bought pomegranate seeds are more likely to spoil
- Fresh pomegranates are typically available from September to December
- If your pomegranate smells like acetone, throw it away and get a refund
Pomegranates smell like nail polish remover when they've gone bad
Pomegranates are known to smell and taste like nail polish remover when they've gone bad. This is due to the yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit, which can result in an acetone smell and taste. If you notice this odour, it's best to throw the pomegranates away and seek a refund if possible.
It is important to be cautious when consuming pomegranates that smell like nail polish remover, as they could be fermented or spoiled. In one instance, a boy became ill after consuming fermented pomegranate seeds, experiencing vomiting and exacerbated asthma.
To avoid potential health risks, it is recommended to inspect the pomegranates for any signs of decay. Typically, bad pomegranate seeds will appear brown and mushy. If you notice any abnormal odours or appearances, it is best to discard the fruit.
Additionally, it is worth noting that pomegranates are typically in season from September through December (and sometimes January). Buying pomegranates during their off-season may increase the risk of purchasing low-quality or old fruit.
To ensure the freshest pomegranates, it is recommended to select plump fruits with intact skin. Pomegranates can be stored on the counter for a week or in the fridge for several weeks. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the chances of consuming spoiled pomegranates and protect your health.
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Yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit can cause the smell
Pomegranate seeds can start to decay and go bad, at which point they will turn brown and mushy. They can also smell like nail polish remover (acetone) or alcohol, which is the result of yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit. This process of fermentation turns the sugars in the fruit into a crude form of alcohol.
Fermentation can occur when pomegranate seeds are left outside the fridge for too long. The ideal way to store pomegranates is on the counter for a week or in the fridge for several weeks. The arils or seeds will only stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
If you notice that your pomegranate seeds smell like nail polish remover, it is best to throw them away and get a refund if possible. While this smell is not normal, it does happen occasionally.
It is important to be cautious when consuming pomegranate seeds that have this smell. In some cases, people have reported feeling sick after eating fermented pomegranate seeds. Therefore, it is recommended to smell the seeds before consuming them to ensure they are fresh and safe to eat.
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Store-bought pomegranate seeds are more likely to spoil
Pomegranate seeds that smell like nail polish remover (acetone) are likely spoiled. This is caused by yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit. Store-bought pomegranate seeds are more likely to spoil due to their extended shelf life, which is facilitated by commercial storage and processing. These processes can create the ideal conditions for yeast growth, leading to the production of acetone.
Fresh pomegranates are typically available from September through December, and sometimes into January. However, pre-packaged seeds can often be found until the end of February. The longer shelf life of store-bought seeds increases the likelihood of spoilage, as the seeds are exposed to conditions that promote yeast activity over a more extended period.
The thick, leathery shell of a whole pomegranate provides some protection against spoilage during transport and storage. On the other hand, store-bought seeds, which are separated from the protective fruit, are more susceptible to damage and yeast invasion.
Additionally, the process of commercial processing can introduce yeast and other contaminants to the seeds, further increasing the risk of spoilage. The high sugar content of pomegranate seeds also provides an ideal food source for yeast, accelerating the breakdown process and the formation of acetone.
To avoid spoiled pomegranate seeds, it is advisable to buy whole pomegranates and extract the seeds yourself. While this may be less convenient, it significantly reduces the risk of consuming spoiled seeds and the potential health risks associated with acetone consumption.
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Fresh pomegranates are typically available from September to December
Pomegranates are native to India and Iran and thrive in hot climates. In the US, most commercially grown pomegranates are from California, with a few cultivated in Texas and Arizona. Fresh pomegranates are typically available from September to December.
When pomegranates are past their prime, they can smell and taste like nail polish remover, which is similar to acetone. This is likely due to the fermentation process, which occurs when the fruit is no longer in season.
To avoid this unpleasant taste and smell, it is best to consume pomegranates during their peak season. Ripe pomegranates have an angular shape, with flattened sides rather than a perfect sphere. They should also have firm, smooth skin without any blemishes or discolouration.
The edible part of the pomegranate is the aril, or flesh-covered seed. To separate the arils from the peel and internal membrane, start by removing the crown-shaped top of the pomegranate. Then, gently pull the fruit into four separate pieces, and break each quarter apart to release the seeds into a bowl. The arils can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to a year. However, defrosted arils tend to be mushy and are better suited for cooked recipes.
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If your pomegranate smells like acetone, throw it away and get a refund
If your pomegranate smells like acetone, it has likely gone bad and should be thrown away. Acetone is a byproduct of yeast breaking down sugars in the fruit, and it is not safe to consume pomegranate seeds that smell like nail polish remover. In fact, a boy got sick after consuming fermented pomegranate seeds, which also smelled like acetone.
If you have purchased pomegranate seeds that smell like acetone, you should be able to return them to the store and get a refund. It is not normal for pomegranate seeds to smell like acetone, and it indicates that they have started to decay. Do not eat the pomegranate seeds if they smell like nail polish remover, as you may get sick.
Some people have reported that pomegranate seeds from certain stores tend to go bad more often than others. It might be a good idea to buy a whole fresh pomegranate and remove the seeds yourself, as store-bought seeds tend to cost about twice as much as removing seeds from a whole pomegranate.
Additionally, it is important to note that pomegranates are typically in season from September to December (sometimes lasting through January), and it is best to pick pomegranates that look plump with skin that is not dried out. Store-bought pomegranate seeds usually come in 4 oz containers and cost $4-5, while a whole pomegranate usually costs $2-3 and yields 6-8 oz of seeds.
In summary, if your pomegranate smells like acetone, it is best to throw it away and get a refund. Do not consume pomegranate seeds that smell like nail polish remover, as they may be unsafe and could make you sick.
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Frequently asked questions
Pomegranates that smell like nail polish remover (acetone) are likely past their prime. Yeasts breaking down sugars in the fruit can cause this smell.
No, pomegranates with this smell or an alcohol smell have gone bad and should be discarded.
Pomegranates typically last one to two weeks at room temperature, up to two months in the fridge, and over a year in the freezer.
Aside from the smell, discolouration and a mushy texture are signs that pomegranates have spoiled.
Check that the pomegranate is plump and the skin is not dried out. Avoid buying pre-packaged pomegranate seeds, as they are more prone to fermentation.
