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The Pomegranate: Fruit from the Gods

The pomegranate, a Persian native, is one of the oldest fruits known to man. Originally thought to be native to China, pomegranates were actually brought to China about 100 B.C. by Han dynasty representative, Jang Qian, who also introduced coriander, walnuts, peas, cucumbers, alfalfa, grapes and caraway seeds to the Far East.

The Romans called it the Punic apple. The pomegranate made its way to Italy via Carthage (Punic), and therein lies the root of its Latin name, Punicum malum (apple). Its current botanical name is Punicum granatum with Punicum recognizing Carthage as a focal point for pomegranate. In France we call it Grenade, and we make a delightful syrup called Grenadine.

Many Italian Renaissance fabrics boasted the pattern of cut pomegranates. Ancient Romans not only enjoyed the succulent flesh of this fruit, they also tanned and used the rinds as a form of leather. Perhaps due to the fruit’s princely blossom crown, it has gained distinction as a royal fruit. Chaucer, Shakespeare and Homer have all extolled the virtues of the pomegranate in literature. It was the Moors who brought the seedy fruit to Spain round 800 A.D. Granada was named for the pomegranate, which became their national emblem. The first pomegranate planted in Britain was done by none other than King Henry VIII. Although not documented, the deep red color of the pomegranate pips may have also given rise to the naming of the garnet gemstone (Ms AAF’s theory, since she adores garnets).

The pomegranate reached American shores by way of the Spanish conquistadors. The fruit still has not reached the level of popularity in America as it enjoys in the Mid-East, Europe and the Far East, perhaps because of its plenitude of seeds. It is grown in the American West and South with some minor commercial success. Those home cooks lucky enough to have a tree in their yard expound the virtues of this fruit as a casual crop. Nowadays you can find pomegranate juice sold in health food shops.