Pomegranate

Did you know that Pomegranate (Anar), symbol of prosperity and fertility associated with both Bhoomidevi (the earth goddess) and Lord Ganesha, is an edible fruit berry (aril) which bears fruit seeds between 200 and 1,400?

Pomegranate, with botanical name Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing deciduous Shrub or small tree in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. It is one of the favourtie fruits of tropical, subtropical and desert regions, native to Iran, Afghanistan, now widely cultivated in mediterranean countries, and very much in India commercially cultivated in most of the states; the varieties grown are known by the place names. It bears juicy edible fruits, a berry called arils with the number of seeds in a pomegranate varying from 200 to 1,400; on an average, there are around 613 seeds in a pomegranate. 

Pomegranate, an Enlgish name, is known by many vernacular versions in India such as: Dadima, Raktabija, Raktapushpa, Lohithapushpa in Sanskrit; Daadima, Daalimbe, Dadimbe in Kannada; Anar in Hindi; Dalimb in Bengali; Dalamb in Gujarathi; Daan in Kashmiri; Dadimam, Matalam, Matalam-cheti, Matalanarakam, Urumampazham in Malayalam; Madalai-p-pazham, Maathulai, Maathulam in Tamil; and Daadimba, Daalimba chettu, Daalimma, Daanimma, Dadima in Telugu. A popular spice derived from its dry seeds is called 'anar dana' widely used in Indian cuisine.

Pomegranate's history is very ancient and mythical too. Its name derives from the Latin 'pomum' (apple) and 'granatum' (seeded). It is from the fruits's distinctive shape, colour and seeds that its universal aeshetic appeal originates. It embodies beauty, mystery and the female. Its evocative red juice has often been likened to blood. It was first domesticated during the neolithic revolution which began around 10,000 BC. Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. The Greeks were familiar with the fruit far before it was introduced to Rome via Carthage, and it figures in multiple myths and artworks. In Ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate was known as the "fruit of the dead", and believed to have sprung from the blood of Adonis. It was known in Ancient Israel as the fruit that the scouts brought to Moses to demonstrate the fertility of the "promised land". Pomegranates symbolize the mystical experience in the Jewish mystical tradition, or 'kabbalah'. It is considered one of the symbols of Azerbaijan where a cultural festival is held, known as the 'Goychay Pomegranate Festival'. Some leading botanists believe that Afghanistan is the cradle of world pomegranate production. Afghanistan has more varieties of pomegranate trees than anywhere else in the world. In Hinduism in India, the fruits symbolize prosperity and fertility, and are associated with both Bhoomidevi (the earth goddess) and Lord Ganesha.

Pomegranate plant grows as a shrub or small tree with cylindrical thorny branches. Its leaves are glabrous, lustrous, oblong-lanceolate to obovate or elliptic, subpetiolate, entire, apex sub-actue to obtuse. It bears three types of flowers - male, hermaphrodite and intermeaite- in scarlet red or white colour, conspicuous, 3 cm or more in length. Fruits are large round or globose berries called 'balusta' and have leathery brownish yellow, golden or orange rind. Aril is the edible portion and the acidic and juicy pulp envelops numerous seeds. The fruit husk has two parts: an outer, hard pericarp, and an inner, spongy mesocarp (white "albedo"), which comprises the fruit inner wall where seeds attach.

All parts of the Pomegranate plant contains Tanin. Its chemcial composition consists of huge amounts of organic acids, sugars, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols that show antioxidant effect.

Pomegranate fruits with acidic taste are widely used as table fruits. Its juice blended with other juices is very delicious. Fermented form is used for wine making. Pomegranate juice is said to have more antioxidants than red wine. 

Anar rub is a local derivative used as a sauce in India which is made by adding sugar to its juice and heating it to a thick vicous consistency with total solids 70-75%. Anardana are the dried seeds made from sour type of promogranate which are used as condiment. 

Pomegranate's medicinal properties with scientific evidence supporting human health benefits, rich in Vitamin C, and the antioxidnat property, plays an important role in immunity and skin health among others benefits. As a folk medicine in Ayurveda with great nutritional value, its usage as a tonic are listed to: Cure leprosy, cure dysentry and diarhea, nose bleeds and gum bleeds. As a laxative it is used to cure inflammation of the stomach and also heart pain. Consuming pomegranate as a functional food is stated to achieve cancer chemo prevention. 

Tanin extracted from Pomegranate is used in leather industry. A red coloured dye extracted from its flowers is used in dyeing cloth. Yellowing brown dye obtianed from its rind is used for dyeing wool and silk. 

Pomegranate seeds are widely used in Indian cuisine. Curd rice is one of the most favourite dishes in South Indian homes which is garnished with pomegranate seeds; biting into these tiny seeds is tasty and gives a burst of relief from the bland curd rice. It is also an ingredient in salads.

Iran is the largest producer of pomegranate in the world, and India is the second largest producer of this fruit.

An interesting 12th century Egyptian Poem on 'Pomegranate', reads: 

" The pomegranate bush raises its voice (tiny, insistent, and shrill): My Seeds shine like the teeth of my mistress, the shape of my fruits is round like her breast. I am her favourite. I know, sweetest tree in the orchard, looking my best through every season".

- Narasipur Char