The early information on pomegranate is quite unusual and draws its origins from ancient Greek mythology, according to which the fruit is interpreted as a symbol of oblivion and death, as well as abundance, generosity and hope for the attainment of immortality. The myth about Persephone says that Persephone, the daughter of the Goddess of fertility (Demeter), has been abducted by the Hades, the God of kingdom of underground darkness. However, Zeus ordered to return Persephone back to the Earth, seeing that her mother depressed after a long absence of her daughter no longer fulfills her obligations. Before they parted, Hades gave Persephone a few grains of pomegranate to taste, after what she became his wife for eternity and had to spend several months a year with him in his kingdom. That’s why pomegranate is also considered a symbol of marriage. On the other hand, residents of ancient Greek believed that pomegranate had been recreated from the blood of Dionysus, the god of fertility and wine.
For a long time, it was thought that the homeland of pomegranate was China, but as a result of a number of studies it became obvious that pomegranate is native to Persia and much later, in 100 B.C., was taken to China.
The word pomegranate comes from Latin word “granatus” and means “grainy”. For centuries, because of its appearance and a crown on the top, pomegranate was considered a king of all fruit and perhaps this was the basis for the creation of the royal headdress.
Moreover, pomegranate is called the Royal fruit for its excellent healing qualities as healers actively used the fruit in the fight against a number of chronic diseases. Pomegranate is rich with micro and macro elements, sugar, acid and other vitamins. It is widely used in removing gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, diabetes, hypertension, heart, lungs and other diseases. Prepared form the fruit itself and giving a good result in the treatment of several diseases, “narsharab” (pomegranate juice) is also effective in digestion.
