Learning About Fruits : Pomegranate

Pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and has been revered for centuries, making appearances in Egyptian and Greek mythology, and the Bible and Torah. For such a noble fruit, it’s surprising how few Americans enjoy it in its whole, natural form. Now that the California Pomegranate season has begun, Frieda’s Specialty Produce hopes to encourage more people to pick up one of these fresh garnet delights at their local supermarket produce department.

Inside the Pomegranate’s leathery skin you will find myriad tiny, edible seeds encapsulated in ruby-colored tangy-sweet juice (arils), nestled among thin white membranes. The flavor is bright and refreshing with that pop-in-your-mouth sweet-tart quality. Pomegranate arils can be enjoyed out of hand, sprinkled on salads and desserts, or made into juice for a variety of uses.

Pomegranate Facts:

* The fruit originated in Persia and spread to Asia, Europe and eventually the North America.


* The Pomegranate’s name was derived from the Middle French term, Pomme Garnete, which means “seeded apple.”

* In Jewish tradition, the Pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is believed to have 613 seeds, corresponding with the 613 commandments of the Torah (which is why the fruit is often eaten during Rosh Hashanah/Jewish New Year).

* Some historians believe that Eve gave Adam a Pomegranate in the Biblical Garden of Eden.

* In Spanish, the fruit is called Granada, and in French, it’s called la Grenade. In fact, the weapon by this name was named after the fruit.

* Grenadine, the fruity red syrup used in cocktails was originally made with Pomegranate juice.

* The rind was used by ancient Romans as a form of leather and the juices were used for a fabric dye.

* The Pomegranate was featured in Catherine of Aragon’s (Henry VIII’s first wife) coat of arms.

* Shakespeare and Homer both wrote about the fruit.