Cut open most pomegranates and you see deep red seeds. Cut open a white anar and the seeds are pale, almost see-through, with a soft pink or ivory glow. It surprises most people the first time.
This guide explains what white anar is, why we source ours from Alipur, how it compares with red anar, and how to enjoy it at home.
What is white anar?
White anar is a pomegranate whose arils (the juicy seeds) are pale instead of red. According to Specialty Produce, white pomegranates arose naturally when some trees stopped producing the red pigment found in common pomegranates. Growers then kept and planted those trees because their fruit tasted sweeter and less sour.
So white anar is not dyed, bleached or unripe. It is simply a different kind of anar.
Why Alipur?
Alipur is a town in Muzaffargarh district, in South Punjab, and one of the area's established pomegranate growing places. The white anar grown there is known locally as Sava. We named our selection SAVA after it, and every box comes from Alipur, Muzaffargarh.
White anar vs red anar
| SAVA white anar | Common red anar | |
|---|---|---|
| Seed colour | Pale ivory to soft pink, almost translucent | Ruby to deep red |
| Taste | Sweet and gentle | Sweet with more sourness, depending on variety |
| Juice | Plump, juicy arils | Juicy, darker juice that stains |
| Best for | Eating fresh, fruit platters, serving guests, gifting | Eating fresh, juice, cooking, chaat |
If you find red anar too sour, white anar is worth trying. Its lighter juice is also kinder to clothes and tablecloths.
When is it in season?
SAVA is a short autumn harvest, and we sell only a limited allocation each year. When the season ends, the SAVA product page stays up and shows sold out until next year's harvest.
How to choose a good anar
- Weight: heavy for its size means lots of juice.
- Skin: firm and smooth. Small marks on the skin are normal and don't affect the seeds.
- Shape: slightly flat sides often mean the seeds inside are full and plump.
- Avoid: soft spots, cracks that look wet, or a hollow feel.
How to open an anar without the mess
- Cut off the crown at the top.
- Score the skin lightly along the natural ridges, from top to bottom.
- Break it open gently along the cuts.
- Hold each piece over a bowl of water and loosen the seeds with your fingers. The seeds sink and the white pith floats, so it is easy to scoop away.
How to store it
- Whole fruit: keep in a cool, dry place for a few days, or in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.
- Loose seeds: keep in an airtight box in the fridge and eat within a few days.
Ways to enjoy it
- A bowl of fresh seeds after dinner
- Sprinkled over fruit chaat, salads or raita
- On top of kheer or other desserts, where the pale seeds look lovely
- As fresh juice
Box sizes and delivery
SAVA comes in 5kg and 10kg boxes with free delivery across Pakistan. Delivery usually takes 2 to 5 working days, depending on your city. A box of white anar makes a memorable gift because few people have seen one before.
Looking for more seasonal fruit? Read our guide to Swat apples from Gwalerai or our guide to oranges in Pakistan.
Quick answers
Is white anar ripe?
Yes. The pale colour is natural for this kind of anar, not a sign that it is unripe.
Is white anar sweeter than red anar?
White anar is generally sweeter and less sour than common red varieties.
Where does SAVA come from?
Alipur, in Muzaffargarh district, South Punjab.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page.