Herbs in Our Garden

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Two pomegranate trees hold court in the Herb Garden. Pomegranates are plants with a rare pedigree. In classical times the pomegranate was a symbol of fertility. It has remained an inspiration for artists and craftsmen and has been depicted as a symbol of prosperity, abundance and hope. Pomegranates are thought to have been domesticated as early as 2500 BCE in the Persian world. The name later given the plant by Carl Linnaeus, Punica granatum, refers to the many grains, or arils, of the fruit. In French it is the pomme garnete, literally “seeded apple”. Some scholars maintain the pomegranate, an ancient apple (Latin pōmum), was the forbidden fruit in the story of Adam and Eve.

Modern day health culture has focused on pomegranate juice for being high in three different types of antioxidants. Current research has found pomegranates to support cardiovascular function, a healthy digestive climate and the immune system.

In literature the pomegranate also has a place. Shakespeare has chosen it for his nightingale when “Nightly she sings on yon pomegranate tree”. (Romeo and Juliet, III. v.2). Experiment with the benefits of the pomegranate by creating your own recipe for grenadine syrup, a perfect balance of tart and sweet. It is simply pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice. Enjoy!