Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Nat'l Clonal Germplasm Rep - Tree Fruit & Nut Crops & Grapes » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198477
Title: THE POMEGRANATE: A NEW LOOK AT THE FRUIT OF PARADISE

Author
item Stover, Eddie
item MERCURE, ERIC - PARAMOUNT FARMING COMPANY

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/7/2006
Publication Date: 8/1/2007
Citation: Stover, E.W., Mercure, E.W. 2007. The pomegranate: a new look at the fruit of paradise. HortScience. Volume 42:pages 1088-1092

Interpretive Summary: In this paper, we attempt to provide a broad overview of the fruit known as the pomegranate (Punica granatum). As we will see in this tour of its history and characteristics, the pomegranate has a deep association with the cultures of the Mediterranean region and Near-East where it was savored as a delicacy and important dietary component, revered in symbolism, and greatly appreciated for its medicinal properties. It is strange that a horticultural icon of such importance has been largely relegated to an ornamental role in the U.S. and much of Europe. Recent trends indicate that the health-giving and flavor-filled properties of these fruits may soon reverse this injustice.

Technical Abstract: The pomegranate, Punica granatum, is one of 2 members of the Punicaceae family. The plant was first domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago in Iran, where it is native, and Turkey. The fruit may have been the “apple” that Eve was deceived by the snake into partaking. Cultivation of the fruit quickly spread to North Africa, southern Europe, and south-central Asia (including India), probably because it is easily propagated by seed or by cuttings. The fruit is a complex structure consisting of many seeded berries or arils enclosed by a leathery exocarp or husk. Several cultivars have been described that vary in husk color (red, pink, purple, yellow), aril color (white to red), hardness of the seed, and other characters. Today pomegranates are grown on all continents except Antarctica, with the United States leading production in California, followed by Turkey, Tunisia, and Spain. Despite the fact that approximately 3,000 cultivars have been described, only one variety, Wonderful, is commonly grown worldwide, especially in California, Chile, and Israel. An overview of plant characteristics, prominent cultivars, cultivation practices, and medicinal properties is presented.