A Red Movement: A Short History of POMEGRANATE (August 28th)

This ball-like fruit is one of the oldest fruits known to man. Its sweet-acid flavor is what characterizes the pomegranate.

The Romans called it the Punic apple, but its current botanical name is Punicum granatum with Punicum recognizing Carthage as a focal point for pomegranate cultivation and granatum referring to the many seeds or grains in the fruit.

This fruit has appeared in many places and times, historic artists like Chaucer, Shakespeare and Homer have all extolled the virtues of the pomegranate in literature.

It was the Moors who brought the seedy fruit to Spain round 800 A.D. Granada was named for the pomegranate, which became their national emblem. None other than King Henry VIII did the first pomegranate planted in Britain.

The pomegranate reached American shores by way of the Spanish conquistadors. The fruit still has not reached the level of popularity in America as it enjoys in the Mid-East and Europe, perhaps because of its plenitude of seeds.

Now you know the history of pomegranate! If you want to learn more about your favorite fruits, stay tuned!

Love always

Cheryl