subject: All About Pomegranate History And Trivia [print this page] The pomegranate is a red fruit that has many seeds inside the rind and is about the size of an orange. It takes both sweet and sour and the pulp surrounding the seeds, of which there are an abundance, and the rind is what is typically eaten.
They came from the Middle East by traders, who used these to get people to buy their goods. In the 15th century, it was introduced to the Americas by the Spanish that was exploring the New World, making this fruit go world wide.
Many do believe that it was this fruit, and not the apple, Adam and Eve ate. It is also interesting to note it has an importance in Jewish tradition, since it is believed that there are 613 seeds, which is the same number of commandments in the Torah. While it may not be exact, the average fruit does have about this many. Even the ancient Arabs used it to predict fertility, as did several other groups of people.
It has been in use in the textile industry for many centuries. On natural fibers, it produces a vivid reddish color, and the seeds will stain clothing and fingers by eating them. It was also greatly prized in the leather industry, since the seeds contain a high level of tannin, which is used to cure the leather.
Health benefits are also abundant for this fruit. It is a high antioxidant and reacts with the cardiovascular system in much the same way wine does. Studies have shown it may lower the risk for certain cancers as well, which make this one of the "super fruits".
The history of the pomegranate is interesting and ever changing. There are many sued for this fruit, and it offers a lot of fun facts and benefits.
