The Pomegranate: A New Look at the Fruit of Paradise Ed Stover1 USDA/ARS, National Clonal Germplasm Repository, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 Eric W. Mercure Paramount Farming Company, Bakersfield, CA Additional index words. antioxidant, heterostyly, Punica granatum
In this paper, a broad overview is pro- HISTORY OF CULTIVATION are reported to originate as ‘‘fruit of para- vided for the fruit known as the pomegranate dise,’’ which provides abundant demonstra- (Punica granatum). The pomegranate has a The pomegranate is widely considered tion of its appreciation in these cultures. In deep association with the cultures of the native in the region from Iran to northern India startling contrast, it was considered by the Mediterranean region and Near East, where (e.g., Morton, 1987), with apparently wild Greeks to be the ‘‘fruit of the dead’’ and it is savored as a delicacy and is an important plants in many forests of these areas. Others provided sustenance to the residents of Hades dietary component, revered in symbolism, (e.g., Mars, 2000) suggest that it is native to (Lansky et al., 2000). These two considera- and greatly appreciated for its medicinal the smaller area of Iran and vicinity, and was tions may demonstrate the amazing breadth properties. It is strange that a horticultural spread by human movement to a much broader of the pomegranate’s potential consumer icon of such importance has been largely area in prehistory. In India, the fruits of the base. The fruit’s unique flavors, with sweet- relegated to an ornamental role in the United wild pomegranate have thicker rinds and ness often counterbalanced by acidity, makes States and much of Europe. Recent trends extremely high acidity compared with culti- pomegranate easy to appreciate by most who indicate that the health-giving and flavor- vated types (Bist et al., 1994). They are also try it. In addition to their use as a fresh fruit filled properties of these fruits may soon reported to have much smaller arils (Kher, or fruit juice, the juice of the pomegranate reverse this oversight. 1999). In Central Asia, the primary difference also contributes distinctive character to many noted is the higher acidity in wild material mideastern dishes, such as the Iranian fes- TAXONOMIC ODDITY AND NAMING (Kerimov, 1934). The pomegranate’s origin senjan. As a practical contributor to the diet, in proximity to the ancient cultures of the these fruits were likely invaluable to early Botanically, the pomegranate (P. grana- Mediterranean have provided a long, recorded desert travelers as an easily carried, well- tum) is in the subclass Rosidae, order Myr- history for pomegranate. Indeed, some have protected form of water (Morton, 1987). tales, which is home to a few other fruits such argued that the pomegranate is the ‘‘apple’’ of In Zoroastrianism, the pomegranate sym- as the guava (Psidium sp.) and feijoa (Feijoa the biblical Garden of Eden, but this is bolizes both fecundity and immortality, and sp.). However, pomegranate is unusual in disputed in a recent review (McDonald, 2002). is an emblem of prosperity (Panthaky, 2006). being one of only two species in its genus, Pomegranate has been naturalized through- Pomegranate has long been associated with Punica, which is the sole genus in the family out the Mediterranean region (California love and was one of the symbols of the love Punicaceae (ITIS, 2006). Recent molecular Rare Fruit Growers, 1997). Edible pomegran- goddess Aphrodite (Encyclopedia Britann- studies suggest a taxonomic reconsideration ates were cultivated in Persia (Iran) by 3000 ica, 2006a). In the biblical Song of Songs, might place Punica within the Lythraceae BCE (Anarinco, 2006), and were also present Sheba ecstatically replies to Solomon’s blan- (Graham et al., 2005). The second species in in Jericho in modern-day Israel. By 2000 BCE, dishments: ‘‘Let us get up early to the vine- Punica, P. protopunica, is found only on the Phoenicians had established Mediterranean yards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether island of Socotra, of the Arabian Peninsula, and Sea colonies in North Africa, bringing pom- the tender grape appear, and the pomegran- is considered an ancestral species (Shilikina, egranates to modern-day Tunisia and Egypt. ates bud forth: there will I give thee my 1973) or an independent evolutionary path Around the same time, pomegranates become love.’’ Indeed Solomon describes Sheba as a (Kosenko, 1985). naturalized in western Turkey and Greece. garden whose ‘‘plants are an orchard of pome- The name Punica is the feminized Roman The pomegranate continued to be dis- granates’’ and says, ‘‘As a piece of a pome- name for Carthage, the ancient city in north- persed around the globe, reaching China by granate are thy temples within thy locks.’’ ern Tunisia from which the best pomegran- 100 BCE (Anarinco, 2006). By 800 CE, the fruit Sheba then says she wants Solomon to drink ates came to Italy. It was initially known as was spread throughout the Roman Empire, ‘‘the spiced wine of the juice of my pome- Malum punicum, the apple of Carthage. But including Spain. At the same time, it was granate.’’ Pretty potent stuff! Linneaus selected the current name, with the known to be extensively cultivated in Central It is easy to imagine that the seediness of specific epithet granatum, meaning seedy or and southern India (Morton, 1987). By the the pomegranate encouraged association with grainy. Its common name in the United early 1400s, the pomegranate had made its fertility. Perhaps this gave rise to the Greek States, therefore, means ‘‘seedy apple’’ way to Indonesia (Morton, 1987). In the myth in which Persephone must spend 6 (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2006c). While 1500s and 1600s, the Spanish introduced this months in the underworld after Hades forced considering naming, it is interesting to note species to Central America, Mexico, and her to eat six pomegranate seeds, but her re- that the fruit’s name in French, grenade, South America (LaRue, 1980). The first clear turn is celebrated with the coming of spring. provided the name for the weapon because evidence that the pomegranate was in the A bit more mysterious is the rationale for of similarities in appearance (Encyclopedia area to become the United States was in the Hebrew priests wearing vestments adorned Britannica, 2006b). early 1700s, when they were grown in with pomegranates (Exodus 28:31), or the Spanish Florida and English Georgia. By 480 BCE attempt by King Xerxes to capture 1770, the pomegranate made its way to the Greece with an army carrying spears adorned West Coast and was growing in the We acknowledge Matt Quist and Jason Haught, with pomegranates. Paramount Farming Company; Zeev Wiesman, missions of California (Morton, 1987; Seelig, Institutes for Applied Research, Ben Gurion Uni- 1970). versity of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Claudia HORTICULTURE Botti, Department of Agronomy, University of APPRECIATION AND SYMBOLISM Santiago, Chile; and Londhe Santosh Dinkar and The plant. The pomegranate plant inher- Dr. R.B. Sawant, College of Agriculture, Shivaji Both the Arabic name for pomegranate ently develops numerous trunks. In orchards, University, Kolhapur, India. (rumman) and the Hebrew name (rimmon) plants are normally trained to a single trunk,
1088 HORTSCIENCE VOL. 42(5) AUGUST 2007 forming a large shrub or small tree, and harvest ‘Wonderful’ when soluble solids The ‘Wonderful’ cultivar was discovered reaching a height of 12 to 20 ft at maturity. reach 15% (Morton, 1987). Minimum matu- in Florida and brought to California in 1896 Trees may be trained to multiple trunks in rity for ‘Wonderful’ in California is based on (California Rare Fruit Growers, 1997). This colder areas, to reduce risk of total tree loss. titratable acidity less than 1.85% and color is the primary cultivar of commerce in the Very dwarf pomegranates (such as ‘Nana’) darker than an established reference (Kader, United States. It is also grown in western are known with small plant, flower, and fruit 2006). In a Spanish study, soluble solids of Europe, Israel, and Chile (Sepulveda et al., sizes, and are widely used as ornamentals. the cultivars examined did not vary greatly 2000). ‘Wonderful’ is among the most deeply The pomegranate plant is more or less spiny from mid August through mid November, colored of pomegranates in both husk and and deciduous, with small, narrow, oblong and the principal acids were malic and citric juice, with a rich flavor, good juice yield, and leaves with short stems (Morton, 1987). (Legua et al., 2000). both sprightly acidity and slight thirst- Plants aggressively sucker from the crown Unlike most horticultural fruits, inherent quenching astringency similar to that of area and the roots. seed dispersal is not achieved through con- grapefruit juice and cranberries. Many pome- The flower. The pomegranate flowers are sumption of all or most of the fruit and seeds granate lovers consider it to be among the most commonly red to red–orange and are with accompanying spread. Rather, the best-tasting cultivars (Karp, 2006). ‘Wonder- funnel shaped, although ‘‘double’’ and varie- pomegranate fruit structure has apparently ful’ is nearly ideal for juicing, with excellent gated flowers are found in some ornamental evolved to ensure splitting of the leathery juice percentage as well as quality. It also has selections, which are not grown for fruit. husk, and exposure of the tempting arils and useful resistance to fruit cracking after rain- Pomegranate can be self-pollinated or cross- seeds (Morton, 1987) to the many happily fall on mature fruit (Karp, 2006). Other com- pollinated by insects (Morton, 1987). Flowers cooperative birds and so forth serving as mercial U.S. cultivars include ‘Granada’ (a are primarily borne subterminally, primarily dispersal agents. ‘Wonderful’ sport), ‘Early Wonderful’ (also on short lateral branches older than 1 year (El- a ‘Wonderful’ sport), and ‘Early Foothill’. Kassas et al., 1998), although some cultivars The cultivars ‘Mollar de Elche’ and ‘Valenci- flower on spurs. Flowers occur as single POMEGRANATE PRODUCTION ana’, in Spain, are among the most widely blossoms or in clusters of up to five. marketed pomegranate cultivars in western Current global production estimates for In the Central Valley of California, pome- Europe (Costa and Melgarejo, 2000). The pomegranate are unavailable. However, it is granate blooms from early May to Novem- ‘Valenciana’ cultivar is harvested early widely grown in many countries where it is ber, with most flowering from mid May to (August), with very little sun damage and lower well adapted. In India more than 100,000 ha early June. Pollination in California is pri- risk from pest attack or bad weather, but also of pomegranate are produced. It is considered marily affected by insects or hummingbirds. has low yield, average to poor internal fruit one of the most important fruits of the Stigma receptivity lasts 2 to 3 d and declines quality, and small fruit size. The ‘Mollar’ tropical and subtropical areas because of quickly in unpollinated flowers (Melgarejo cultivar is harvested much later (end of low maintenance cost, good yields, good et al., 2000). September until mid November) and displays keeping quality, and ability to thrive with Pomegranate flowers are heterostylous. more sun and split damage, but has higher limited moisture (Indian Council of Agricul- Long-styled perfect flowers are larger, have yield, excellent internal fruit quality, larger tural Research, 2005). In Iran, 65,000 ha of larger ovaries, and set more fruit than short- size, longer harvest period, and greater con- pomegranate produces 600,000 tons of fruit style types, which are either intermediate or sumer acceptance (Costa and Melgarejo, 2000) annually, with about 30% of yield exported functionally male only. The proportion of Because of differences in quality and (Mehrnews, 2006). Turkish production in these two flower types varies among cultivars productivity observed in commercial plant- 1997 was 56,000 tons/year (Gozlekci and and year to year (Martinez et al., 2000). ings, Spanish researchers have selected dis- Kaynak, 2000). Spain, with 3000 ha, is The fruit. The pomegranate fruit is berry- tinct clones of their most important cultivars. the largest western European producer of like with a leathery rind (or husk) enclosing Selections were made in 1986, in the prov- pomegranate, and production has been in- many seeds surrounded by the juicy arils, inces of Alicante and Murcia. Numbered creasing as a result of high market prices which comprise the edible portion of the fruit clones were propagated and are undergoing (Costa and Melgarejo, 2000). (Watson and Dallwitz, 1992). The aril juice replicated trials to identify the best materials In the United States, there are 5600 ha of sack is composed of many epidermal cells. (Amoros et al., 2000). commercial pomegranate, mostly in the San According to cultivar, arils range from deep The countries of pomegranate origin grow Joaquin Valley. The ‘Wonderful’ cultivar red to virtually colorless, whereas the innumerable cultivars, with many regional dominates almost completely, but there is enclosed seed varies in content of scleren- favorites. Local pomegranate germplasm col- interest in earlier and later cultivars to extend chyma tissue, which affects seed softness. lections have been established in several the market season (Kotkin, 2006). The number of locules and arils (and Mediterranean countries, including Spain, enclosed seeds) varies, but may be as high Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Turkey, and as 1300 per fruit (Levin, 2006). The fruit has POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS Egypt (Mars, 2000). India has three collec- a prominent calyx, which is maintained to tions containing at least 30 accessions each maturity and is a distinctive feature of the More than 500 cultivars of pomegranate (Gulick and Van Sloten, 1984). Azerbaijan, pomegranate fruit. The husk is comprised of have been named (IPGRI, 2001), but such the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have two parts: the pericarp, which provides a ancient and widespread fruits often have collections of 200 to 300 accessions, and cuticle layer and fibrous mat; and the meso- considerable synonymy, in which the same the collection of the Turkmenistan Experi- carp (known also as the albedo), which is the basic genotype is known by different names mental Station of Plant Genetic Resources is spongy tissue and inner fruit wall where the in different regions. Synonymy is likely the largest in the world, containing more than arils attach. Septal membranes are the papery further encouraged by the fact that husk and 1000 accessions (Levin, 1995). The U.S. tissue that further compartmentalizes groups aril color can vary markedly when grown in National Clonal Germplasm Repository, in of arils, but arils do not attach to this tissue different regions. A number of characteristics Davis, CA, has almost 200 pomegranate (Matthew Quist, pers. comm.). There is vary between pomegranate genotypes and are accessions, including many obtained from interest in identifying or developing cultivars key to identification, consumer preference, the Turkmenistan collection. Included in that have more locules to fill the fruit interior, preferred use, and potentially niche market- this collection are several types with very fewer septal membranes for easier eating, and ing. The most important traits are fruit size, soft seeds, a trait sometimes optimistically a thinner mesocarp. husk color (ranging from yellow to purple, called ‘‘seedless.’’ Interestingly, in a prelim- Fruits ripen about 6 to 7 months after with pink and red most common), aril color inary molecular marker study, genetic vari- flowering (Morton, 1987) and are harvested (ranging from white to red), hardness of the ability was found to be quite low among when qualities are deemed most appropriate seed, maturity, juice content, acidity, sweet- the diverse cultivars in the U.S. collection for expected market use. In Israel, they ness, and astringency. (M. Aradhya, pers. comm.).
HORTSCIENCE VOL. 42(5) AUGUST 2007 1089 Little detailed information is available 1980). In Israeli conditions, K2O is applied at studies (Seeram et al., 2006). However, it on pomegranates grown outside of western rates similar to N (Blumenfeld et al., 2000). must be noted that there is no report of trials Europe and the United States, although Serious disease does not routinely affect using pomegranate to treat snakebite. efforts have been made to assemble cultivar pomegranate trees in California, but Alter- Presumably because of its association as summary information for this paper (Table naria heart rot, may sometimes affect fruit the ‘‘fruit of love’’ rather than empirical 1). Cultivars mentioned as important in the (LaRue, 1980). There are two widespread observation, the pomegranate has been con- literature, but with no descriptions, include arthropod pests on commercial pomegranates sidered a love potion in some cultures. The ‘Ahmar’, ‘Aswad’, and ‘Halwa’ from Iraq; in California: 1) the flat mite Brevipalpus prophet Mohammed advised, ‘‘Eat the pome- ‘Mangulati’ from Saudi Arabia; and ‘Red lewisi and 2) the leafroller Platynola stul- granate, for it purges the system of envy and Loufani’ and ‘Ras el Baghl’ from Israel and tana. Both these pests cause russeting and hatred’’ (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2006c). Palestine (Morton, 1987). checking on fruit. However, a number of Seemingly these properties represent a Pomegranate cuttings root with great species have caused localized damage in medicine we would all like to see widely ease, facilitating spread of desirable clones. some years. In some other regions, Virachola prescribed! Efforts to graft pomegranate are reported not species of moths are a severe threat and Today, pomegranate juice has been to be successful, but air-layering and root- require multiple sprays each year (Blumen- shown to contain polyphenol antioxidants sucker transplantation can be used for vege- feld et al., 2000; S. Dinkar, pers. comm.). (primarily ellagic acid and punicalagin) that tative propagation (Morton, 1987). This moth bores into the fruit, causing wide- may lower risk of heart disease (Aviram spread fungal infections in the arils and et al., 2004) and may slow cancer progress CULTIVATION bruising on the fruit surface. (Adams et al., 2006). The antioxidant content Premium prices for fresh fruit are of pomegranate juice is among the highest of Pomegranate is especially well adapted to obtained only for large blemish-free pome- any foods (Guo et al., 2003). An analysis of Mediterranean environments with cool win- granates. In India, developing fruit are some- diverse pomegranate cultivars shows consid- ters and hot summers, but can be grown in the times protected from birds and other threats erable diversity of antioxidant content, with humid tropics or subtropics, and the plant will by bagging them on the tree (Morton, 1987). ‘Wonderful’ among those displaying the survive as far north as Washington, DC, but is Another practice in India is the ‘‘Mirg highest levels (unpublished data). injured by temperatures less than –11 °C Bahar’’ practice of inducing drought stress Largely because of the interest in health (Morton, 1987). Commercial production is from December through May so that the peak benefits of pomegranate, 40 journal publica- concentrated in dry summer climates, and of production is in October and November tions were produced on this fruit in 2005 pomegranate is extremely drought tolerant (L.S. Dinkar, pers. comm.). Hand thinning versus 30 total from 1945 to 2000 (Schulman, once established, but crops much better is practiced in Israel to produce larger and 2006). Many of these papers, primarily with more generous moisture. Pomegranate more uniform fruit (Blumenfeld et al., 2000), focusing on medical implications of pome- thrives on a wide variety of soils and has a and is also practiced in Spain. granate and its products, are reviewed in a high resistance to salinity (Melgarejo, 2003). Storage life of the pomegranate is quite book edited by Seeram et al. (2006). In all regions, newly planted trees require long and equals the apple, and the fruits ship adequate moisture for establishment. For very well (Morton, 1987), although bruising OTHER USES FOR POMEGRANATES example, in California, plantings are estab- can be an issue. The pomegranate fruit is not lished in late winter to spring when soil climacteric (Kader et al., 1984). Harvest and There are a number of other useful appli- moisture is abundant from winter rain. Sim- storage factors affecting postharvest quality cations for the product of the pomegranate ilarly plantings are made in India during the of pomegranate have been summarized in a tree. Pomegranate bark produces tannins that monsoon season (L.S. Dinkar, pers. comm.). recent review (Kader, 2006). help create Moroccan leather. Extracts of the Pomegranate cuttings root so easily that flowers and fruit husks have been used as unrooted cuttings are sometimes placed MEDICINAL PROPERTIES dyes for textiles. Extracts of pomegranate directly into the orchard (Blumenfeld et al., rinds provided a major source of medieval 2000). Plants are trained to one to five trunks According to Eber’s papyrus (ca. 1550 ink in Europe (Carvalho, 1999), and specialty and should receive light annual pruning to BCE), the ancient Egyptians used tannin-rich craft inks are still created from pomegranate. maintain the production of short spurs, which pomegranate root extracts for the riddance of Clearly, the most widespread ‘‘nonfood’’ bear most fruit, and such pruning also reduces tapeworms (Wren, 1988). Hippocrates (400 use of pomegranate is for visual aesthetics. the potential for wind scarring on long BCE) used pomegranate extractions for a wide Several ornamental plant forms have been whippy shoots. variety of ailments, such as a plaster to reduce touched on already, and these are widespread Pomegranates will set a few fruit in the skin and eye inflammation, and as an aid to in the nursery industry where pomegranate is second or third year after propagation, but digestion (Adams, 1849). No discussion of adapted. The distinctive appearance and long generally reach good commercial production ancient medical applications of plants is life of the mature harvested pomegranate at 5 to 6 years. Mature yields of 33 tÁha–1 are complete without mention of Dioscorides fruit results in their widespread use in table expected in California commercial orchards (40–90 CE), who indicates: ‘‘All sorts of arrangements. In the United States, this is (Karp, 2006). When possible, providing ade- pommegranats are of a pleasant taste and especially common during the Thanksgiving quate moisture is recommended throughout good for ye stomach’’ and further suggests through Christmas season. The longstanding the growing season (with soil moistures the juice for ‘‘. ulcers, and for ye paines of nature of this use is apparent from pome- similar to those used in citrus production), ye eares, and for the griefs in ye nosthrills’’ granate’s frequent inclusion in paintings and which contributes to growth, production, and (Gunter, 1934). Other traditional uses of as graphic elements in architecture, for exam- a reduction in splitting (LaRue, 1980). It is pomegranate products have included treat- ple. This visual aesthetic use is so widespread especially important to avoid drought stress ments for contraception, snakebite, diabetes, that most of the pomegranates purchased as during initial fruit set (Still, 2006). Pome- and leprosy (reviewed in Lansky et al., 2000). fresh fruit in the United States are likely granate orchards benefit from 0.2 to 0.5 kg Extracts of tannins (bark, leaves, immature never actually consumed (California Rare N/tree per year, applied once in fall or winter, fruit) have been used to halt diarrhea and Fruit Growers, 1997)! or a split application in late winter and in spring. hemorrhage, whereas dried, crushed flower High or late N application may compromise buds are made into a tea as remedy for THE FUTURE fruit maturity and color. Zinc is the only other bronchitis. In Mexico, extracts of the flowers nutrient recommended for application to are used as a gargle to relieve mouth and Increased interest in phytonutrients pomegranate in California. When Zn defi- throat inflammation (Morton, 1987). Inter- appears likely to sustain and increase interest ciency is evident, sprays should be applied to estingly, many of these uses are at least in pomegranate within the United States. foliage in spring and early summer (LaRue, somewhat supported by recent scientific ‘Wonderful’ juice is widely available in the
1090 HORTSCIENCE VOL. 42(5) AUGUST 2007 Table 1. Summary of primary characteristics for pomegranate cultivars that are indicated as ‘‘important’’ in the literature and for which there are reported data. Cultivar Fruit size (g) Traits Origin Reference Agridulce de Ojo´s 4 524 Red arils with hard seeds, Spain Amoros et al., 2000 bitter/sweet, medium acid Alandi (or Vadki) Deep-pink arils and very India Morton, 1987 hard seeds, sweet/sour Asinar 505 Large fruit, red arils, Turkey Gozlekci & Kaynak, 1997 sweet/sour, soft seeds Bedana Medium-large, brownish India Morton, 1987 white rind, pink–white arils, seeds soft, sweet Borde de Albatera 370 Deep-red arils with hard Spain Amoros et al., 2000 seeds, bitter, high acid Dholka Large, yellow–red rind, India Morton, 1987 white arils and hard seeds, sweet Early Foothill Deep-red arils, USA, 2–4 weeks LaRue, 1980 medium-hard earlier than seeds, sweet/sour ‘Wonderful’ Early Wonderful Deep-red arils, USA, 2 weeks California Rare Fruit Growers, 1997 medium-hard seeds, earlier than sweet/sour ‘Wonderful’ Eksilik Sour (5% TA), red arils Turkey Gozlekci and Kaynak, 1997 Emar Dark-red skin, red arils, Turkey Gozlekci and Kaynak, 1997 sweet with low TA Eversweet Pink to red fruit with USA Dave Wilson Nursery, 2005; pink arils, soft, seeds, Karp, 2006 sweet even when immature Fellahyemez Large pink arils, sweet Turkey Gozlekci and Kaynak, 1997 with low TA, soft seeds Ganesh Yellow–pink rind and India L.S. Dinkar, pers. comm. pink–red arils, very soft seeds, sweet/sour Golden Globe ‘‘Very large’’ Golden green fruit with USA Karp, 2006 pink blush, pink to red arils, soft, small seeds, sweet Granada Deep-red arils, USA, redder, 1 California Rare Fruit Growers, 1997 medium-hard seeds, month earlier sweet/sour sport of ‘Wonderful’ Hicaznar Dark-red skin, red arils, Turkey Gozlekci and Kaynak, 1997 sweet/sour Kandhari (also Large fruit, deep-red rind, India Morton, 1987 called Arakta) with deep-pink to blood-red arils, hard seeds, sweet/sour Katirbasi 517 Large fruit, large red Turkey Gozlekci and Kaynak, 1997 arils, sweet/sour Mollar de Elche 15 272 Deep-red arils with soft Spain Amoros et al., 2000 seeds, sweet, low acid Mollar de Orihuela 414 Red–pink arils with soft Spain Amoros et al., 2000 seeds, sweet, low acid Pin˜o´n Tierno de Ojo´s 9 405 Red–pink arils with soft Spain Amoros et al., 2000 seeds, sweet, low acid Valenciana Small, early, but not top quality Spain Costa and Melgarejo, 2000 Wonderful Deep-red arils, medium-hard USA Morton, 1987 seeds (we would call medium-soft), sweet/sour TA, titratable acidity. refrigerated produce section of supermarkets preference of some consumers for cultivars Adams, L.S., N.P. Seeram, B.B. Aggarwal, Y. and has displayed considerable sales growth. with less acid or softer seeds is also compel- Takada, D. Sand, and D. Heber. 2006. Pome- Numerous techniques are being explored to ling consideration of more diverse cultivars, granate juice, total pomegranate ellagitannins, enhance postharvest life and quality of fresh which should broaden consumer interest. and punicalagin suppress inflammatory cell pomegranate (Arte´s and Toma´s-Barbera´n, When these ‘‘wonderful’’ properties are com- signaling in colon cancer cells. J. Agr. Food 2000). Consumer reluctance to open and eat bined with a Food and Drug Administration Chem. 54:980–985. intact fruits, which some suggest is best ‘‘best label as a ‘‘love potion’’ and the prophet’s Amoros, A., P. Melgarejo, J.J. Martinez, F. Herna´ndez, and M. Martinez. 2000. Charac- performed naked, outdoors or in the bathtub’’ prescription for curing ‘‘hatred and envy,’’ it terization of the fruit of five pomegranate (Karp, 2006), has encouraged development may be impossible to keep up with the (Punica granatum L.) clones cultivated in of methods to blow out arils and package demand for this amazing fruit. homogeneous soils. Options Me´diterrane´- these beautiful jewels as a minimally pro- ennes Ser. A 42:129–135. cessed fresh product (Sepulveda et al., 2000). Literature Cited Anarinco. 2006. Pomegranate history. 1 Sept. These will soon find their way to market and 2006.
HORTSCIENCE VOL. 42(5) AUGUST 2007 1091 and preparation of derived products. Options Gunter, R.T. 1934. The Greek herbal of Dioscor- Mars, M. 2000. Pomegranate plant material: Me´diterrane´ennes Ser. A 42:199–204. ides, p. 80–81, Oxford University Press, Genetic resources and breeding, a review. Aviram, M., M. Rosenblat, D. Gaitini, S. Nitecki, Oxford, UK. Options Me´diterrane´ennes Ser. A 42:55–62. A. Hoffman, L. Dornfeld, N. Volkova, D. Guo, C.J., J.Y. Wei, J.J. Yang, Y.F. Li, J. Xu, and Martinez, J.J., P. Melgarejo, and F. Martinez. 2000. Presser, J. Attias, H. Liker, and T. Hayek. Y.G. Jiang. 2003. The antioxidant capacity of Study of the floral morphology of the pome- 2004. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 66 vegetables and fruits: A comparative study. granate clones: PTO8, CRO1 and ME14. years by patients with carotid artery stenosis Acta Nutrimenta Sinica 25:203–207. Options Me´diterrane´ennes Ser. A 42:105– reduces common carotid intima-media thick- Indian Council of Agricultural Research. 2005. 113. ness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin. Pawar inaugurates new national research centre McDonald, J.A. 2002. Botanical determination of Nutr. 23:423–433. on pomegranate. 1 Sept. 2006.
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