by Diana Serbe
What is this contradiction called a pomegranate? The pomegranate is sweet, but the pomegranate is tart. The pomegranate is tough and wrinkled, but when cut open it glistens with ruby-like seeds.In the Greek myth of Persephone, the pomegranate is called the fruit of the underworld, yet in the Muslim Qu'uran it is called the fruit of paradise.
The inner beauty of the pomegranate has inspired design since Biblical times, and there are some who believe it may be the fruit on the tree of life.
History of the Pomegranate
As befits a fruit with many seeds, the pomegranate is the traditional representation of fertility, and seems to have its origins everywhere. We see it in the Middle East and India. The pomegranate was cultivated in Egypt before the time of Moses. It was found in the Indus valley so early that there is a word in Sanskrit for pomegranate. Indian royalty began their banquets with pomegranate, grape, and jujube. Arab caravans, many emanating from the lush oasis that was ancient Baghdad, probably spread its use.
The pomegranate is significant in Jewish custom. Tradition holds that a pomegranate has 613 seeds to represent the 613 commandments in the Torah. The design of the pomegranate was woven into the high priest's robes, and brass representations were part of the Temple's pillars. It is mentioned six times inch Song of Solomon.We see the pomegranate again in ancient Greece and Rome. In the verses of the Odyssey, Homer mentions it as part of the gardens of Alcinous (probably in Sicily). The Romans imported their pomegranates from African Libya, and Pliny the Elder gave instructions for its storage. Lest the pomegranate be neglected in the East, it appears in China during the Han and Sung dynasties.The derivation of the word pomegranate comes from the Middle French pome garnete (seeded apple), but Europeans were slow to adopt the pomegranate. The pomegranate was probably introduced from Sicily, however Europeans, then under Norman influence, distrusted fruits and vegetables, preferring a meat-based diet. It is mentioned in the 14th century Ménagier de Paris which offered some recipes, and as we see in the quote from Romeo and Juliet it was known in England in Elizabethan times. The enthusiasm for pomegranate as a food was limited, but it was widely used as a decoration.
The Spanish Conquistadores brought the pomegranate to America. Jesuit missionaries carried it north to their missions in California. They were found growing wild in Georgia in 1772.
Using Pomegranate
Though the ancients used pomegranate skin and bark for medicinal purposes, only the seeds are edible.Fresh pomegranate is available from September until January. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates will keep for up to 2 months. The seeds are a brilliantly colorful addition when tossed on a salad.
A syrup made fro the pomegranate is widely used in the Middle East.
Variously named pomegranate molasses, concentrated pomegranate juice, or pomegranate essence, the syrupy extract of pomegranate is tart and piquant, brightening many dishes. It is available in Middle Eastern markets, gourmet food stores, and some health-food stores.
Grenadine, a light syrup added to alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, used to be made from pomegranate juice, though now it is made with food coloring. There are concentrated forms of pomegranate juice available, however.
To seed: Slice off the top and the tail of the pomegranate. Score as you would to peel an orange. Submerge pomegranate in bowl of cold water and peel away rind. Break into sections, and pull seeds from the pith with your fingers. Drain seeds in a sieve and throw away the pith. Be sure to drain well.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
The pomegranate has been used in folk medicine for centuries in the Middle East, India, and Iran. The health giving properties of the pomegranate are celebrated in a Jewish fairy tale, and it takes its place in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
The pomegranate provides a substantial amount of potassium, is high in fiber, and contains vitamin C and niacin.
Research conducted by Michael Aviramof the Lipid Research Laboratory at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has revealed the antioxidant properties of the fruit.
Preliminary studies indicate that the juice may possess almost three times the total antioxidant ability of green tea or red wine.
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