Pomegranate
Scientific Name: Punica granatum
Family Name: Punicaceae
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The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is undoubtedly known to many people who have perhaps tasted it, if only out of curiosity, at least once. Probably native to Persia, this tree has always been connected with religious ceremonies or rites, during which both the flowers and fruits were used, because of their rather mysterious qualities. This was originally the custom among the Phoenicians, and later among the Greeks and Romans. Today it is grown more as an ornamental plant than as a fruit tree although the fruits have a pleasantly acid taste and can be eaten fresh, or used in the preparation of syrups, especially grenadine, and an alcoholic drink, as well as a jelly. [Bianchini, Francesco, Corbetta, Francesco, Pistoia, Marilena, The Complete Book of Fruits and Vegetables, United States Translation: Crown Publishers, New York, 1976; Originally published in Italy as I Frutti della Terra, Arnoldo Mondadori Publisher, Italy, 1973]