The pomegranate has a rich history dating back to 2500 BCE. Some historical and religious interpretations hold that it was the pomegranate, rather than the fig or apple, that gave Adam and Eve knowledge of good and evil.
Pomegranate is a fruit-bearing, deciduous shrub that grows to between 1.5 – 5 meters tall. It is rich in symbolic and mythological associations in many cultures. The edible, tart-sweet arils are eaten fresh, used in salads, or juiced for drinks, molasses, and sauces.
How to eat
Slice off the top, score the rind, and break it into sections to remove the arils. The entire aril, including the seed inside, is edible. When selecting, choose heavy, firm fruit with a deep red, taut skin – they do not continue ripening once they’ve been picked.
pomegranate molasses is a key ingredient in traditional Persian cuisine. It is used to add a rich sweet-sour flavor to stews, sauces, and marinades. Grenadine syrup, used in the Shirley Temple, was originally made of pomegranate juice that had been reduced and sweetened.
Historical References
In ancient Assyria, the pomegranate was important in their culture and rituals. Gula, the Mesopotamian goddess of healing, was depicted holding a pomegranate which symbolized it’s protection and healing from sickness. Pomegranates were used in ceremonies and art as a symbol of abundance and fruitfulness, long, prosperous life and nourishment in the afterlife.
In Ancient Iran, symbolized fertility, blessing, and favor. It is one of the most sacred and holy plants in Iran, it is served in their festivals and wedding ceremonies.
Ancient Egyptians believed the pomegranate symbolized prosperity and ambition, and is mentioned in one of the oldest medical writings from around 1500 BC.
The ancient Greeks believed that the pomegranate sprang from the blood of Adonis, and the fruit is essential to the myth of Persephone, who consumes pomegranate seeds in the underworld every year.
Pomegranate is one of the Seven Species mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as special products of the Land of Israel, and appeared on the ancient coins of Judaea.
Pomegranate symbolizes fertility and is deeply embedded in Palestinian folklore and traditions. “The pomegranate fills the heart with faith” is a popular Palestinian saying, and they believe that every seed should be eaten, as one seed may have come from paradise.
NIH: Pomegranate: A review of the heavenly healer’s past, present, and future: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10598818/
AHPA: Herbs in History: https://www.ahpa.org/herbs_in_history_pomegranate