Pomegranate

Pomegranate trees are often planted for ornamental use, and it is easy to see why. In spring, their small, vibrant red carnationlike flowers bloom for two to three weeks; then, in the early fall, the fruit-bearing varieties produce large, bright red round fruit that are 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) in diameter and very showy. Pomegranates are grown widely, both in home gardens and commercially, in subtropical areas throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, and in southern California, where they are in season from September to mid-December. This is much too short a time to be able to take advantage of this decorative, juicy fruit. Luckily, whole pomegranates can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months, and the seeds can be frozen indefinitely. The most common commercial variety of pomegranate is called Wonderful.