Pomegranate History

Where does the pomegranate originate from?

The pomegranate originated in Persia or eastern Iran and Afghanistan. It spread westwards to the Middle East and eastwards to China. The pomegranate has been cultivated from a very long time ago in the Himalayas in northern India and:

• throughout the Mediterranean region,
• Asia (such as China and India),
• North Africa,
• Europe, and
• North America

When was pomegranate first introduced in the United States?

The pomegranate were brought into the United States in 1769. In 1769 Spanish settlers brought the pomegranate tree to California. The climate in California was right for the pomegranate tree.

Today, pomegranate trees are found in drier parts of California and Arizona.

What does pomegranate symbolize?

In literature and legends, pomegranate symbolizes fertility in many cultures such as Chinese and Indian. Pomegranates are the oldest symbol of Judaism, before the Star of David in many countries. You will see the pomegranate-shaped silver pommels on the wooden handles of the Scrolls of the Law that are read in the synagogue.

There are many tales and myths about pomegranate trees and pomegranate fruit. Some tales are nice whereas others are mean. However, the pomegranate was always felt to be a noble fruit.