5 Reasons to Grow a Pomegranate Tree
The Pomegranate tree is one of the earliest cultivated trees in history. Ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform records mention the pomegranate as early as 4,000 years ago. They originate in a region extending from Iran to northern India where the sweet fruit and luxurious flowers were cultivated primarily for the elite.
In the late 16th Century, Spanish settlers brought the pomegranate to North America, but it was not until the 1760s, that it was brought to California. Today, the pomegranate is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, Indian Subcontinent, Central and South-East Asia, Tropical Africa, and parts of the US. California and Arizona are the top producers of pomegranates in the states.
The Pomegranate tree is beloved by many for its beautiful red flowers and wonderful sweet flavor. It is categorized as a berry- round and red with a flower-shaped stem. The skin is not edible, but inside are hundreds of delicious, juicy seeds and arils. Arils are the juice-filled coverings over the seeds.
This fast-growing tree is an excellent, easy option for any sunny garden.
Here are 5 Reasons to Grow a Pomegranate Tree:
1. They are easy to grow.
Pomegranate trees are drought tolerant and do not need much water to grow. Fertilizing in the spring is helpful but not required. They are naturally adapted to Mediterranean regions with cool winters and hot summers and are especially suited for California gardens.
2. They are the perfect plant for any sized space in the garden.
Grown as trees or shrubs, pomegranates can be pruned into a variety of shapes. They can be kept in a container which is suitable for small spaces on a balcony or in a garden. They are also excellent candidates for espalier pruning and shaping. Espalier is when the tree's branches are tied to a flat surface like a trellis to create a more flat, two-dimensional shape. This is ideal if you are trying to create some privacy or need to block a view.
3. Pomegranates have tons of health benefits.
These sweet red-leathered fruits are not only full of flavor, but they are also one of the healthiest fruits on earth. One cup of arils will give you 30% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, as well as 7 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. In addition to nutrients, pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Some studies suggest that it may help in joint and arthritis pain in the body as well as bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth and skin. It is also used to improve digestion and gut health. In China, it is believed that the fruit contains soul concentrate, which could confer immortality.
4. They symbolize prosperity, fertility, and ambition.
Let pomegranates fuel the next stage of growth in your life. These fruits have inspired excellence for millennia. Rich in dietary nitrates, it is said to improve exercise performance as well as virility and libido. Their influence was so strong Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs couldn't live without them and brought the fruit with them into the next life.
5. You cannot kill them.
Okay, you can kill them… but it's hard! Pomegranate trees are the perfect gift for a beginner gardener. To thrive, they require well-drained soil, 6 hours of full sun per day, and weekly deep watering. They need minimal experience or attention to thrive.
Check out "Growing Tips for Pomegranates" for more
Author: Israel Osuna
Source: Healthline "12 Health Benefits of Pomegranate "https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate
Source: Wikipedia: Pomegranates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate
