The Pomegranate: Fruit from the Gods
Written by Asinus Asinum Fricat on May 16, 2008 – 7:59 am -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.
Tags: Food, Fruit, Pomegranate
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