A pomegranate is classified by the red skin and the meaty pinkish flesh with a lot of seeds on the inside. It is both sweet and tart, and the pulp around the seeds is what is what most people consider to be so good when they eat these.
They were first introduced to Asia by traders from the Middle East, who used it as an incentive to buy their items. It came to the Americas by the Spanish explorers in the 15th century, when they came to the New World, and has been world wide since.
It is believed to have been this fruit, and the the apple, that Adam and Eve ate of to be removed from Eden. It also has a long history of being used in fertility rites from ancient Arabia to Egypt. Jewish tradition states that there are 613 seeds, the same number as the commandments in the Torah. Seed amounts do vary, but studies show this is a very close number.
The juice will stain fingers and clothing, which is why it has been used in the textile industry for many centuries, Natural materials can obtain a pinkish hue to the clot. Even leather can be tanned with the seeds from the fruit, since the seeds have a high concentrate of tannin.
Health benefits are also abundant for this fruit. It is a high antioxidant and reacts with the cardiovascular system in much the same way wine does. Studies have shown it may lower the risk for certain cancers as well, which make this one of the “super fruits”.
The history of the pomegranate is interesting and just as varied as the people that eat it. It is healthy and carries a great historical impact.
