Native to Persia, the Pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits known to mankind. It has a rich and fascinating history, dating back many thousands of years.

Did you know?

• Pomegranates are the most represented fruit in ancient art and religion
• Pomegranates were brought to China about 100 B.C. by Han dynasty representative, Jang Qian
• The most famous varieties of Pomegranate fruit in Roman times were raised in gardens around ancient Carthage
• The pomegranate is a symbol of marriage, fertility and abundance. It remains a traditional housewarming gift in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries
• The current botanical name for the pomegranate is Punicum granatum. Punicum recognises Carthage as a focal point for pomegranate cultivation and granatum refers to the many seeds or grains in the fruit
• Many Italian Renaissance fabrics boasted the pattern of cut pomegranates
• Chaucer, Shakespeare and Homer all extolled the virtues of the pomegranate in literature
• In Arabic folklore and poetry, the pomegranate is the symbol for the fluid of life
• The Chinese consider the pomegranate one of the three blessed fruit (the others are the citron and peach). The numerous seeds symbolised many male offspring dispersed around the world earning fame, fortune and glory
• The Moors brought the pomegranate to Spain round 800 A.D. Granada was named for the pomegranate, which became their national emblem
• The first pomegranate planted in Britain was done by King Henry VIII
• Ancient Romans not only enjoyed eating pomegranates, they also used the skins in the process of tanning leather due to the high amount of tannic acid in the fruit’s skin.