Punica granatum commonly called Pomegranate originated in Iran (formerly called Persia). It is one of the oldest fruits and is mentioned in the Bible. It is referred to as the ‘fruit of love’ by some scholars.
Pomegranate spread throughout the Middle East, the Mediterranean and south Asia. It was later introduced by the Spanish settlers in 1769 into Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is now widely cultivated, also in the drier climate of California and Arizona.
Pomegranate is a small tree, if left unpruned it can grow to approximately 15 feet in height. Usually, when it is pruned it can be kept as a small, bushy shrub of approximately 5 – 6 feet in height with multiple spiny branches. It is extremely long lived. The foliage is glossy, small, oblong green leaves and the flowers are bright red and are produced early in the rainy season followed by the globe-shaped, leathery, reddish or yellowish fruit with many seeds each in a pink or red juice sac. The fruit varies in sizes of 2 to 5 inches in diameter.
pThe juicy pulp (seeds) is the edible portion of the fruit.
It can be eaten as is or made into drinks, juices, jellies and smoothies. It is used in cooking, baking, cocktails and wines. The bottled juice is available all year round.
(To be continued next week.)
Until next week, happy gardening.
