Jewels of the Mediterranean: Best Pomegranate Varieties

An ancient superfood you can grow yourself. Discover top-tier varieties from Greece, Spain, the USA, and Israel.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. These elegant deciduous shrubs or small trees offer not only beautiful, bright red flowers but, above all, fruits packed with massive amounts of antioxidants, vitamin C, and health-promoting compounds. It is no wonder pomegranate juice is often called the elixir of youth.

Today, growing this Mediterranean gem is no longer restricted to southern countries. Thanks to bred cold-hardy varieties and the possibility of container growing, you can harvest your own ruby-red arils even in cooler climates. We present the 5 absolute best varieties that have gained worldwide recognition.

1. Ermioni (Greece): A Millennial Tradition with a Seal of Quality

The 'Ermioni' variety is an ancient Greek treasure cultivated in the Peloponnese for millennia. Thanks to its uniqueness, it has received a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the EU. It produces lighter fruits, whose color transitions from pale yellow to deep red. Its greatest asset is an exceptionally sweet taste and, notably, soft seeds that are very easy to chew. It is harvested around late September to early October, and established trees can briefly withstand frosts down to -15 °C.

2. Mollar (Spain): A Hit for Those Who Dislike Seeds

'Mollar' is one of the most widely grown varieties on the Iberian Peninsula, producing large fruits (300–500 g) with a sweet-tart, distinctively fruity flavor. However, it possesses one characteristic that makes it globally popular:

The Seedless Phenomenon

The Mollar variety is classified as "seedless" or soft-seeded. The seeds inside its juicy arils are so stunted and soft that they almost entirely dissolve when eaten. If hard seeds bothered you when eating other pomegranates, Mollar is the perfect variety for you.

3. Wonderful (USA): The World-Famous Standard of Quality

Probably the most famous and widely grown commercial variety in the world. It produces large fruits (250–450 g) with a beautiful crimson-red, glossy surface. The flesh of the 'Wonderful' variety is deep purple, indicating an extremely high content of antioxidants (anthocyanins). It is characterized by an abundance of juice with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, enriched with subtle notes of strawberry and raspberry. It is frost-hardy down to -10 °C.

4. Angel Red: Early and Juicy

If you are looking for a variety that ripens early, 'Angel Red' is an ideal choice (harvested by late summer). It stands out with bright red fruits full of juice (one fruit contains approximately 600 arils). Besides its soft seeds and high juice production packed with vitamin C and B5, this variety is prized for its exceptional drought resistance. Additionally, its vibrant red flowers hold high ornamental value.

5. Acco (Israel): A Resilient Fighter with a Purple Heart

The Israeli early variety 'Acco' grows to a height of about 2 meters, making it perfect for container growing. The fruits reach 300–400 g and conceal extremely dark, deep red to purple flesh inside with a sweet-tart taste. It is highly drought-resistant and ranks among the most cold-hardy varieties.

Frost Hardiness Comparison

For successful cultivation in cooler climates, the frost resistance of the wood is a key factor. All listed values apply to older, well-established trees (young saplings should always be protected).

Ermioni, Angel Red, Acco down to -15 °C
 
Mollar down to -13 °C
 
Wonderful down to -10 °C
 

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Quick Variety Overview

Variety Country of Origin Harvest Time Main Strength
Ermioni Greece Late Sept / Oct Soft seeds, PDO certified
Mollar Spain October Absence of hard seeds
Wonderful USA October Extraordinary amount of juice
Angel Red Unknown Late Summer Early harvest, highly drought resistant
Acco Israel Sept - Oct Compact growth, extreme dark color

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Basic Rules for Successful Cultivation

Location: The pomegranate tree requires the warmest and sunniest spot in the garden, ideally sheltered from the wind (e.g., against a south-facing wall).

Pollination: All mentioned varieties are self-pollinating, so a single plant is enough to yield a harvest.

Pests: A major advantage of pomegranates is their natural resilience. They require virtually no chemical protection against common pests and diseases.

Wintering: In colder regions, it's better to grow pomegranates in large containers and move them to a bright, cool, frost-free room for the winter.

Growing your own pomegranate is an experience. From the beautiful red flowers to the joy of cracking open a fruit full of ruby, sweet arils loaded with health.

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