Pomegranate Splash!
Pomegranate Based Culinary Sauces
Pomegranate Trivia
Adam and Eve ate the pomegranate and gained the knowledge of sin. Ancient Arab women used the pomegranate to predict fertility. Indian royalty ate the pomegranate in their most elaborate feasts. Throughout history, the pomegranate has had a variety of uses: as food products, as medicine, as a religious icon, and even in the treatment of fabrics and leather. There seems to be no limit to what this fruit can do. Given its competition in the world of foodstuffs, the pomegranate seems to surpass even the most versatile of fruits in its ability to transform the lives of consumers the world over.Pomegranates across the Globe
Although pomegranates originated in the fertile lands of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, it has been a favorite among Chinese, Korean, and Japanese consumers for thousands of years. In fact, its flowers and bark are so unique that the Japanese often use the pomegranate bush for their famous bonsai trees.
It is believed that pomegranates traveled on the backs of Arab traders as they made their way around the Middle East. They used the pomegranate as a gesture of goodwill to entice merchants into buying their wares. People were especially taken in by the message of abundance and fertility that the pomegranate conveys.
Pomegranates were not introduced to the Americas until the Spanish arrived in the fifteenth century. It took several more centuries before the area of the United States received the benefits of its bounty.
Pomegranates in History
From its earliest days, the pomegranate has been associated with fertility and bounty. The deep red of the fruit and the large number of seeds lend it an aura of sensual mystery. This mystery was taken up by cultures all over the world; whether it is Greek mythology, ancient Egyptian beliefs, or Hebrew tradition, the pomegranate is considered a strong tie between birth, life, death, and resurrection.
In the traditional Jewish custom, the pomegranate is significant as a representation of the commandments of the Torah. This derives from the belief that each pomegranate contains 613 seeds, which is the exact number of the commandments. While not all pomegranates have the same number of seeds, studies have shown that, on average, this number is an accurate estimate of the number of seeds when considering all types and varieties in the world.
Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Empire at the end of the fifteenth century, considered the pomegranate to be his personal emblem and a symbol of the Resurrection. He is not alone in the adoption of the pomegranate as a personal or cultural symbol. The entire city of Granada in Spain considered the pomegranate their special insignia. In a number of Turkish cities, the pomegranate continues to be the official city logo.
Although medieval Europe did not eat a large number of pomegranates, they were commonly used for decoration and for their religious symbolism. Even today, pomegranates continue to be used for decorative purposes. Their deep red color and shape are indicative of the fall harvest and make a perfect setting for a holiday table.
Pomegranates for the Treatment of Textiles
The crimson juice of the pomegranate will do more than just stain the fingers of those who partake of its satisfying seeds. Its natural deep color has been used for centuries for dyeing natural fabrics. Those with a penchant for chemistry can take this one step further; when exposed to alkaline conditions (as opposed to acidic conditions), pomegranate juice will actually turn blue.
Another one of the pomegranate’s most famous uses throughout history has been as a treatment method for leather. The chemicals responsible for this are the tannins, which provide the somewhat bitter taste to the pomegranate’s seeds. These tannins, which are also largely responsible for the health benefits so prevalent in this superfruit, can be used to tan the hides of animal skin to make leather.
Pomegranates in the Modern World
Although modern consumers are not likely to take the pomegranate with them to their graves, as the ancient Egyptians did in hopes of resurrecting in the next world, it is a favorite fruit among many individuals in search of a healthier, more youthful existence. The natural health benefits of its vitamins and tannins, the robust flavors, and the sensual impression it gives as it is broken open and spills out its seeds are not likely to lose popularity anytime soon.
As one of the world’s most ancient and natural sources of life, the pomegranate will only continue to grace the tables and bellies of people everywhere.
