Pomegranate

Scheherazade of the groves, inspiration for poets and fabulists, painters and sculptors; symbol of fertility in Chinese, Greek, Persian, Roman, and Hebrew lore, of hope in Christian art—the pomegranate has been naturalized for so long throughout the Old World that no one is quite sure where it originated (but Persia seems most likely).

Though still a constant in Eastern and Mediterranean life, the pomegranate has never grown deep roots in the culinary gardens of the New World. According to produce dealers in this country, Italians, Arabs, and children of any nationality are the best pomegranate customers. Perhaps they are in less of a rush than others, for the fruit must be consumed attentively if it is to be enjoyed. Other leisurely eaters and cooks in Spain, Italy, Central America, South America, and the Middle East—to name some of the homes of the pomegranate—happily incorporate the fruit into cooling drinks, vegetable salads, tart stews, soups, and colorful desserts. Its unique sweet-sour taste is part of everyday food, as lemon juice is in the United States.