pomegranates

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Lythraceae, native to the region of southwestern Asia extending from Iran to northern India. The fruit is a berry with a thick reddish rind enclosing numerous seeds surrounded by juicy arils. The arils are edible and range in color from pink to deep red. Pomegranates have been cultivated for thousands of years and are valued for both culinary uses and ornamental appeal.

Pomegranate plants are drought tolerant and prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are commonly propagated by cuttings or grafting and pruned to maintain a spreading or vase-like shape. Fruit typically ripens in fall or winter depending on climate. Major producers include Iran, India, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

Nutritionally, arils are a source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium and contain polyphenols such as punicalagin. They provide about 83 kilocalories per 100 grams. Culinary uses include fresh consumption, juice, salads, sauces, and desserts; pomegranate molasses is a popular syrup in Middle Eastern cooking.

Historically, pomegranates have been cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of Asia and are depicted in art and literature as symbols of fertility and renewal. There are many cultivars, including widely grown varieties such as Wonderful. For storage, whole fruit keeps at room temperature for about a week and longer when refrigerated; arils can be kept refrigerated for several days and may be frozen for longer-term storage.