Pomegranate
Here’s a list of fruits that can easily be mistaken for pomegranates (Pictured above) due to their similar size, shape, or reddish color:
1. Mabolo
Mabolo, also known as the velvet apple, bears a noticeable resemblance to a pomegranate in terms of shape and color. It is typically round or slightly flattened, much like a pomegranate, and its deep reddish-brown to maroon skin can look quite similar at first glance. However, unlike the smooth and leathery rind of a pomegranate, the skin of mabolo is soft and velvety, covered in fine fuzz similar to a peach. While its exterior might fool someone momentarily, the interior of mabolo is very different — soft, creamy, and pale, with no juicy arils or clustered seeds
2. Red Passion Fruit
Round and red-skinned like a small pomegranate, red passion fruit also contains gelatinous, seed-filled pulp inside. The way the seeds are suspended in juicy sacs closely resembles the texture and presentation of pomegranate arils.
3. Strawberry Guava
This fruit is round, reddish, and smooth-skinned, resembling a miniature pomegranate. Inside, it’s filled with juicy flesh and seeds, often with a slight graininess similar to the mouthfeel of pomegranate arils.
4. Plum
Deep red or purple plums, especially larger varieties, can look like small pomegranates due to their round shape and glossy skin. Their coloration and size are close enough to be mistaken before being handled or sliced.
5. Rose Hip
Rose hips are small, round, and typically bright red or reddish-orange, resembling miniature pomegranates. Though much smaller in size, their tough skin and internal structure — filled with small seeds surrounded by fibrous pulp — mirrors the seeded interior of a pomegranate in miniature form. Clusters of rose hips on the plant can also resemble small pomegranate bunches.
6. Purple Mangosteen
With a thick, purplish rind and round shape, mangosteen can resemble a dark pomegranate from the outside. Inside, however, it differs significantly — the flesh is white and segmented. Still, its tough shell and seeded nature draw visual parallels.
7. Hachiya Persimmon
Hachiya persimmons are heart-shaped or oval with smooth, reddish-orange skin. While they lack the pomegranate’s leathery rind and seed clusters, their outer coloring and occasional internal seed cavities give a visual nod to pomegranate when sliced.
8. Lychee
Lychees are small, round, and red, with a textured outer skin. Once peeled, their translucent pulp and central seed give a completely different look, but the outer appearance and clustered way they grow may remind one of small pomegranates.
9. Nectarines
Nectarines have a smooth, reddish skin that can resemble a small, polished pomegranate. Their round shape and vibrant outer coloring may cause visual confusion at a glance, especially when displayed in a fruit pile.
10. Peach
While peaches are fuzzier than nectarines, their size, roundness, and reddish-orange hues can echo the look of a pomegranate. From a distance, especially unripe or red-blushed peaches may appear similar.
11. Hawthorn
Some hawthorn fruits are small and bright red with a tough skin and clustered appearance, resembling miniature pomegranates. While much smaller, their dense clusters and vibrant red color can evoke the look of pomegranate arils or mini versions of the fruit itself.
12. Java Apple
Also known as rose apple, this fruit has a bell or rounded shape and glossy red skin — visually similar to some pomegranates. While its inside is crisp and watery (and lacks seed clusters), its outer appearance could fool someone at a glance.
13. Tamarillo
Also called tree tomato, the tamarillo has a shiny, smooth skin ranging from deep red to orange-red, mimicking the pomegranate’s color. When cut open, the small, juicy seeds are surrounded by richly colored pulp — visually similar to pomegranate arils.