Ingredients · Fruit

Pomegranate

Punica granatum · Lythraceae (loosestrife family)

Pomegranate
Tart, deep and slightly tannic — pomegranate brings an acidity closer to red wine than to citrus, which is what makes it useful in a fruit blend that would otherwise be simply sweet. Two products carry it, both matcha blends. The edible part is the aril: a thick fleshy seed coat around a hard seed, which is an unusual piece of botany and the reason a pomegranate is the one fruit everybody eats seeds and all.

What it’s like, and how to use it

The partFruit
KindFruit
CaffeineCaffeine-free
Where it is fromIndia, China (production); Iran (origin)
TasteTart and deep with a wine-like tannin; more acid than sweet

How to use it

In fruit infusions, where its tannin gives structure. Good with matcha, which it is blended with here, because the two tannins meet rather than compete. Rehydrates into a chewy, tart piece.

With food

Walnut, as in Persian fesenjan. Lamb. Yogurt. Mint. Feta. Orange. Dark chocolate. Rose.

With spices

Sumac, its fellow souring agent. Rose. Cardamom. Cinnamon. Mint.

With tea

Matcha and green tea. Hibiscus. Rooibos. Tulsi.

Its story

Where it comes from

Originated in the region spanning the Caucasus and the Iranian plateau, and was first domesticated by ancient Iranians about 5,000 years ago. India and China lead production, followed by Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, the United States, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and Spain. Our lot names no origin.

What happened

Few fruits carry as much meaning. In Greek myth, Persephone's eating of pomegranate seeds in the underworld is what binds her to return there for part of each year — the story that explains the seasons. In Judaism it is one of the Seven Species of fruit and grains listed in the Hebrew Bible, and tradition holds it carries 613 seeds, one for each commandment. Chapter 55 of the Quran names it among the favours of paradise. Grenadine, the cocktail syrup, originally consisted of thickened and sweetened pomegranate juice — which most grenadine no longer does.

On the shelf with it

Every product it goes into.

Every ingredient in the shop

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