Pomegranate, Punica granatum, is an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Punicaceae family. The fruit is a pink-red color, with a thick, leathery skin to protect the seeds. The inside is separated by spongy tissue and can contain over 600 seeds. They grow best in temperate or semi-arid climates with a hot summer and mild winters.
History
Excavations of the Early Bronze Age show that the pomegranate could have been cultivated as early as 3500 BCE. It is believed to be native to the areas stretching from Iran to the Himalayas in Northern India. They have a strong presence in Ancient Egyptian, Buddhist, and Greek art. It is claimed that since the ancient times, a kings’ crown is based on the shape of the head of the pomegranate. Today, pomegranates make up a large part of many Middle Eastern economies. Afghanistan is known as the “the country of the pomegranate fruit” because it has more varieties of pomegranate trees than anywhere else in the world. The exports in other countries, such as Jordan, create a good portion of the national income.
Uses
Antioxidants
Vitamin C
Digestion
Arthritis
Heart Disease
Memory
Diabetes
Pomegranates in Religion
Quran:
“In both of them [gardens] are two springs, spouting […]In both of them are fruit and palm trees and pomegranates. So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran, 55:66-69)
“And He it is who produces gardens (of vine), trellised and untrellised, and palms and seed-produce of which the fruits are of various sorts, and olives and pomegranates, like and unlike; eat of its fruit when it bears fruit, and pay the due of it on the day of its reaping, and do not act extravagantly; surely He does not love the extravagant.” (Quran, 6:141)
“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” (Quran, 6:99)
In Judaism, the pomegranate represents fruitfulness and is eaten during Rosh Hashanah. Some say that there are 613 seeds to represent the 613 commandments in the Torah.
Cuisine
Pomegranates are often used as a garnish on salads or meat, or turned into a syrup or molasses that is used as a marinade for fish or meat. Today, it is common to see pomegranate juice for drinking. Mostly though, seeds are sprinkled onto a dish to add a tart sweetness. The seeds are also commonly pressed for a salad dressing or wine.
Fesenjān
Ash-e anar
WORKS CITED
“Pomegranates.” Itineraries of Taste, 9 Feb. 2017, mmitinerariesoftaste.sanpellegrino.com/trip/pomegranates-uae.
Sifton, Sam. “Fesenjan Recipe.” The New York Times, The New York Times, mmcooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017040-fesenjan.
Ferreira, Mandy. “15 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice.” Medical News Today, mmMediLexicon International, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318385.php.
Idayatova, Sabina. “Pomegranate: a Crowned Fruit.” AzerNews.az, 13 Jan. 2014, mmhttp://www.azernews.az/analysis/53125.html.
“Pomegranate.” Lettuce | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation, mmplantvillage.psu.edu/topics/pomegranate/infos.
Schuster, Ruth. “Before Judaism: The 8,000-Year-Old History of Pomegranate mmReverence.” Haaretz.com, Haaretz Com, 9 Sept. 2018, mmhttp://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-before-judaism-the-8-000-year-mmold-history-of-pomegranate-reverence-1.6461970.“Pomegranate
History.” Maderachamber.com, maderachamber.com/pf/?page_id=67.
Zaufishan. “Plants Of The Quran: Pomegranate.” Green Prophet, 4 July 2012, mmhttp://www.greenprophet.com/2012/07/plants-quran-pomegranate/.
Culture of Arab Food 