Pomegranate

There was a time when every Persian courtyard had a pomegranate tree. It was so popular that it rapidly spread all over the world. Persians sent it to the Mediterranean shores. Here it was so well liked that a city and an explosive were given its name. Missionaries picked it up and introduced it in Mexico and California.

Though new to California, this fruity shrub was in existence since 3000 B.C. It was of the first five fruit trees to be agriculturally cultivated.

The Pomegranate shrub

This deciduous shrub rises to a maximum height of seven feet in its wild growth. Though it is spotted in marshy, salty or even frosty lands, it thrives best in dry and warm conditions. However, excessive rainfall gives a fungal rot to the roots.

The Fruit

The fruits are found in different hues of orange to yellowish red and the red juicy ones are popularly sought after. Harvest during summer ensures juicy fruits but summer rainfall may also split the fruit.

Varieties

Pomegranates fruits are in three varieties
I) Sweet ii) Sweet sour iii) Sour

The fruits are graded according to the dominance of the citric acid. Fruits that have lower amounts of citric acid are sweet. ‘Paper Shell', ‘Spanish Ruby', ‘Albar', are some of the well know Pomegranate names.

The sour varieties are used for derivative extracts.

Eat the fruit or drink its juice

Pomegranates are easily digestible. The red seeds should be consumed fresh for; they lose their color quickly.

The juice extracted from the seeds is also much relished and the thickening and sweetening of the juice turns it to the grenadine syrup.

‘Anardana' used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, is made by drying the seeds.

Medicinal properties of the fruit

• One pomegranate is three times more effective than red wine for it is that rich in non-toxic antioxidants. It's a miracle fruit that prevents heart diseases and prostate cancer.
• Clinical human research proved that people who had a glass of pomegranate juice everyday, for three months had an improved blood flow to the heart. The juice prevents plaque forming oxidized LDL in the arteries.
• Research upon mice showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of prostate cancer.
• Ayurveda' a traditional Indian form of medicine prescribes the sweet pomegranate as a laxative. While the sweet sour ones are a cure for stomach infections.

Interestingly different uses of the tree

The yellow wood from the tree is sturdy enough to be converted to walking sticks while the vinegar dipped leaves work as insecticides. Red, black and yellow dyes are obtained from the rind depending on how ripe the fruit is.

Amusing Pomegranate facts

• Pomegranate stains on dress cannot be removed they can only be bleached. A new variety has been cultivated; its seeds are white and its juice non-staining.
• Romans tanned the pomegranate peel and used it as a leather substitute
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• Alkaline conditions turn a pomegranate juice blue.

Apart from its fruity benefits, the pomegranate serves as an ornamental tree too. Calling it a Persian gift to the world would not be an understatement.