General Information
Revered by ancient peoples and one of the first fruits cultivated in the world, pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Modern studies have shown that just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily keeps the cardiovascular system, including arteries, healthy. Additionally, it has been proven that diets rich in fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants, along with regular exercise, might slow or help prevent the development of cancer.
History
Pomegranates are ancient fruits, with some evidence of their existence dating back to between 4000 B.C. and 3000 B.C. Native to present day Iran and Turkey, research has revealed that Egypt, Jericho and Mesopotamia were the first cultures to domesticate Pomegranate trees in their early orchards. The Pomegranate was first introduced to the Western hemisphere by Spanish settlers in 1769, and today it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. The White variety typically ripens earlier than the red variety and has a much shorter season. It is estimated that there are some 500 varieties of pomegranate grown world-wide.
