Genus Punica Family Lythraceae Classification and Relatives Punica granatum Pomegranate Common variety Punica protopunica Socotra pomegranate Smaller less sweet fruit ID: 495511
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Slide1
Pomegranate
Genus:
Punica
Family:
LythraceaeSlide2
Classification and Relatives
Punica
granatum
– Pomegranate
Common variety
Punica
protopunica
– Socotra pomegranate
Smaller, less sweet fruitSlide3
History of Cultivation
Persia (area of modern-day Iraq and Iran)– 3500 BC
Egypt – 1780 BC
Jericho (modern day Palestine) – 1600 BC
China
– 900 BC
Brought to North America by the Spanish in 1769Slide4
Cultivation
Grown as a fruit crop.
Ornamental trees and shrubs in parks and gardens.
Mature specimens can develop sculptural twisted bark multi-trunks.
Drought-tolerant
Prone to root decay and fungal disease in wet areas.
Moderately frost tolerant.
Down to about -12 °C (
10
°F)Slide5
Grows easily from seed.
Commonly propagated from 25-50 cm hardwood cuttings.
Cultivated in Mediterranean region of southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, southeast Asia, California and Arizona.Slide6
Characteristics
Deciduous shrub or small tree between 5-8 meters tall.
Leaves are opposite, glossy, narrow and oblong.
Flowers are bright red with four to five petals.
Fruit is 5-12 cm in diameter with a rounded shape.
Has a thick reddish skin.
200-1400 seeds each surrounded by the edible aril.Slide7Slide8Slide9
Uses
Cooking
Baking
Juices
Smoothies
Alcoholic beverages such and martinis and wineSlide10Slide11
Potential Health Benefits
Preliminary research shows that metabolites of pomegranate juice may:
Reduce
the risks of h
eart disease
Lower systolic blood pressure
Increase salivary testosterone levels
Affect mood, anxiety or emotionsSlide12
Historical Facts
Used in India as source of traditional remedies for thousands of years.
Symbol of prosperity and ambition in ancient Egypt.
Symbol of fertility in ancient China.
Symbol of the goddess Persephone in ancient Greece.
Known as the fruit of the dead.
Mentioned in Babylonian texts, the Book of Exodus, the Homeric Hymns and the Quran.Slide13
Sources
http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate
http://archaeology.about.com/od/plthroughpo/qt/pomegranate.htm