The rubies of Persia

If you think that the wealth of Iran lies only underground in the form of oil, you might be mistaken. Persia gave humanity its rubies in the form of a delectable fruit called pomegranate.

Ripe pomegranate on the tree

 

Its cultivation began from the Middle east, but spread all around the world, so that it can be found today on every continent in regions where the climate is warm. Its name probably came from the combination of two Latin words: pomum meaning 'apple' and granatum meaning 'seeded'. Thus the seeded apple was named after its enormous amount of red seeds enclosed into its leather like skin.

Persephone tasting the pomegranate. From the cover of the book
Persephone and the pomegranate: A myth from Greece
by Kris Waldherr (1993)

Culturally the pomegranate is featured in many religions and ancient texts. Ancient Greek mythology claims that Hades, the king of the underworld, bound Persephone under the spells of sweet fragrant pomegranate.  In addition, according to legend, the tree was growing in the famous Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Budhists consider the pomegranate as one of the three sacred fruits, along with peach and citrus, while the Quran promises a garden of pomegranate trees in the afterlife of Muslims.
And how can it not be part of Heaven? If you crack open the skin of a pomegranate, a river of ruby seeds burst out.  When the fruit is ripe, its taste is sweet, with a pleasantly tangy aftertaste.
This paradisiac fruit is the well hidden secret of superfoods. It contains so many substances that are beneficial for health that the fruit itself is a medicine. It contains vitamins, especially vitamin C, in large quantities. It also contains calcium and iron. So, if a bowl of lentils, also rich in iron, does not please your palate, try a bowl full of succulent pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants. As a matter of fact it contains more anti-oxidants than red wine or green tea. Plus, it is good to avoid muscle cramps, as it contains a good amount of potassium. Those are only a few of the beneficial substances contained in a pomegranate. In general, consuming this fruit can drop the arterial pressure, fortify the immune system and prevent cardiovascular diseases. It even helps against depression. And seriously, who can feel depressed after tasting these heavenly crimson seeds? 

In the kitchen it gives a special touch to pastries, as well as savory dishes. My friend Despina mixes it in greens and makes a delectable salad. Especially, if a couple of Tablespoons of pomegranate are mixed with arugula, the result is unique, as the sweet taste of pomegranate is balancing the bitter taste of the herb.
In Greece, traditional home cooks make the most delicious marmalades of pomegranate. Add that as a topping to a cheesecake, in a modern take, and you have an exciting desert. More commonly, Greek cooks make pomegranate liquer, which is sweet flavored and very aromatic. Good mixologists know that the original grenadine is made of pomegranate, whose aroma and tarty nature give an amazing flavor and a vivid color to cocktails, such as Tequila Sunrise.

Whether it is used in pastries, mixed with alcohol, tossed in a salad or consumed raw, pomegranate is just a small taste of heaven. Its color travels you to the far gardens of the East, its flavor circles you around the world and its tarty texture brings you back to the ground with your soul fully satisfied and your health totally benefited.