Pomegranate

Pomegranate - small deciduous tree or bush to 6m (20ft) with pale brown bark and slender branches with spines at the tips. The leaf buds and young shoots of pomegranate tree are red, and the opposite leaves are oval in shape, thick and glossy. Large, waxy, orange-red flowers are followed by the familiar reddish-yellow skinned fruits. These are the size of an orange with a tough, outer rind and many seeded, pinkish-red pulp.

The common name of this juicy fruit is a corruption of poma granata, Latin for many seeded apple. The botanical name refers not only to its many seeds, but also to the source of the fruit in Roman times: Punicus or Carthage, a Roman colony in North Africa. The fruit was mentioned in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, written about 2000 BC, and is mentioned in the Old Testament. The striking red color and seed arrangement of the pomegranate made it one of the earliest and most important symbols of fertility, and it is an ancient design motif. The pomegranate is reputedly the 'forbidden fruit' eaten by Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the fruits were said to be represented on the pillars of King Solomon's temple. In Greek mythology, Persephone or Kore was abducted by Pluto to his underworld kingdom. There she ate a pomegranate, a symbol of union, that forever bound her to Pluto.

The medicinal qualities of the pomegranate were known to Pliny in the first century. He recommended the root bark for expelling tapeworms, for which it is an effective but nauseating remedy. In traditional Indian medicine, the bitter rind is used to treat dysentery. Its powerful astringent properties are also helpful for diarrhea. The leaves, too, have antibacterial properties and were once applied to sores.

In culinary terms, the pomegranate is most widely used in Middle Eastern cookery. The thickened juice is used to flavor meat dishes, especially stews, and the dried seeds are used as a garnish. In Indian cuisines, the seeds may be found in stuffings for savory breads and pastries. The fruit has a refreshing taste and is made into drinks and desserts, while the juice is the basis of the liqueur grenadine.

A pomegranate of good quality may be medium or large in size and the coloring can range from pink to bright red. The rind is thin and tough, and there should be an abundance of bright red or crimson flesh, with a small amount of pulp. The seeds are contained in a reddish, juicy pulp that is sub-acid and of fine flavor. They should be tender, easy to eat, and small in proportion to the juicy matter that surrounds them, while the juice should be abundant and rich in flavor.

There are many varieties of pomegranate. At least ten varieties were growing in southern Spain in the thirteenth century, as described by a writer of the time. Pomegranate is a warm-climate fruit. This fruit will not mature in cooler climates, although there are dwarf forms grown in cool climates which have striking scarlet flowers that are sold commercially. Pomegranates are in season September through December, and October is the peak month.

Medical properties

Use only the juice of the pomegranate. This juice is one of the best for bladder disorders and has a slight purgative effect. For elderly people, it is a wonderful kidney and bladder tonic.

Habitat

Pomegranate is native to Asia, particularly Iran, Afghanistan and the slopes of the Himalayas. Naturalized in warm, dry climates including the Mediterranean, Palestine, North Africa, and eastwards to India and Pakistan. Pomegranate is cultivated commercially.

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