Pomegranate tree is a deciduous shrub, which bears a fruit of the same name.
The small tree belongs to the Lythraceae family, and its height ranges between 5 and 8 m. The pomegranate fruit can be botanically defined as a berry, and its number of seeds varies between 200 and 1400. The fruit’s size varies between 5-12 cm in diameter. The delicious fruit has edible red or crimson seeds inside a reddish or reddish orange leathery skin. The sweet seeds are edible while the skin is not. The pomegranate seeds are also called arils.
Rich in History
The origin of pomegranate can be traced from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India, and the fruit has been cultivated in the Middle-East, South Asia and the Mediterranean region for several millennia. Later the pomegranate plant and its fruit were introduced to the orient through the famed silk route. Pomegranate is regarded among the first five fruit crops to be domesticated by humankind.
The fruit finds its mention in the Egyptian mythology and art, and in Babylonian Talmud, and also has Biblical references. The pomegranate fruit was regarded as a symbol of prosperity and ambition in the ancient Egypt. In the ancient Persian culture too pomegranate was regarded as the symbol of fertility. The fruit also has reference in the Book of Exodus.
In the ancient times, desert caravans carried the fruit, and used its juice as a thirst quencher of sorts. In Latin America, the fruit was introduced in the late 16th century. However, the US was introduced to pomegranate only in the late 18th century, by the Spanish sailors.
The Indian Connection
In India, the nutritive and medicinal value of pomegranate has been a part of the popular culture; there is a tradition in the country of offering pomegranates to the ill persons or persons recovering from illness. In India’s ancient and yet modern system of medicine, Ayurveda, pomegranate is abundantly used as an ingredient in remedies.
Denne historien er fra August-September 2016-utgaven av Food & Beverage Business Review.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August-September 2016-utgaven av Food & Beverage Business Review.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
California Walnut Crop Mid-Harvest Update
Fall is here, and the California Walnut Commission has provided a mid-harvest update on the 2024 walnut crop.
Consumer Trust in Dietary Supplements Demands Third-Party Certification, Reveals NSF 2024 Report
NSF, a leading public health and safety organization, published its 2024 Supplement Safety Consumer Benchmark report earlier his year, aimed at evaluating consumer preferences and safety concerns regarding dietary supplements.
India Bakery Exhibition 2024: A Grand Success at Chennai Trade Center
The India Bakery Exhibition 2024, held from 20th to 22nd September at the Chennai Trade Center, proved to be a resounding success.
Strong Aromas of Blue Cheese
There is no way you can forget your first view, first smell and first taste of any Blue Cheese.
Debunking Cancer Nutrition Myths
Good nutrition is especially important during the treatment of cancer as it helps to tolerate chemotherapy, radiation and surgery better.
Of the Sheep
The features of a goat’s and that of a sheep’s meat are almost similar and are not readily identifiable.
Indian Ethnic Flavors: A New Wave in Beverage Trends
As the world of beverages continues to evolve, a powerful new trend is emerging, reshaping the landscape of drinks with bold, authentic, and distinctly Indian flavors.
Cloves - Strong & Zesty!
Cloves are flower buds harvested before they flower and their tree belongs to an evergreen variety, aptly named as the clove tree, a part of the Myrtle plant family.
World Chefs Congress
New Congress, Old Gold
Tech Takes Over F&B Industry
Technology impacts every facet of our lives. It is reshaping every industry. Artificial Intelligence (Al) and robotics have had transformative impacts on all industries, including the food & beverage sector. Driven by advancements in robotics and Al, routine and repetitive tasks are automated to increase productivity and, thus, enhance profitability. Ashok Malkani examines the effects of technology and robotics on the restaurant industry in India.