Among the wide variety of fruit trees and shrubs, the pomegranate tree stands out. Known since ancient times, the pomegranate is mentioned in the writings of ancient Greek healers. Known to humanity for over 4,000 years, it was a symbol of fertility. The ancient Romans called the fruit a false or grainy apple. Its tasty, juicy, sweet, and nutritious seeds will leave no one indifferent. Those who love pomegranates are less likely to suffer from blood diseases, vascular diseases, digestive disorders, or depression. A seeded apple is a versatile fruit; valuable vitamins and minerals are found in the seeds, seeds, peel, and membranes.
Story
Pomegranate, translated from Latin, means "grained." Its origin is believed to be ancient Persia, located in what is now Iran. Plants were cultivated in ancient Egypt and India. In the Middle Ages, the Spanish brought them to the Americas. The pomegranate is one of the seven fruits mentioned in the Bible. Since ancient times, it has held special value for humans, was depicted on the walls of the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, and symbolized life after death.
Throughout its history, it has been used for food, preparing healthy drinks, and dyeing leather. A wreath of branches on a woman's head indicated her married status. Over the years, it was exchanged for money and furniture. Many superstitions are associated with it. In Persia, a basket of pomegranates was always on the table at weddings, as a symbol of prosperity and wealth.
Description
Under favorable natural conditions, pomegranates grow up to 7-8 meters tall. Hybrid varieties grow as shrubs, reaching a height of 2 meters. The tree's roots are powerful, extending several dozen meters into the ground. The tree pomegranate has a single trunk with dense, dark gray bark. The light green, oval-shaped leaves are arranged in clusters of 5-10 petals, up to 3 cm long. The orange-red flowers are bell-shaped, growing singly or in pairs.
Natural growth
The plant is self-pollinating and can grow in soils of any acidity, with an optimal pH of 5.5-7. It requires watering every 7-10 days. Flower buds begin to open in early summer and bloom until September. The fruits form after flowering and ripen within 180 days. The round pomegranate fruit can grow up to 12 cm in diameter and weigh up to 500 g. Inside the dense peel are the seeds, separated into several parts by white membranes. The fruits can ripen on the tree or ripen after picking. A pomegranate ripened on the tree will split, but the seeds will not fall out.
Growing at home
Growing the crop at home has a number of features:
- ensuring a long period of light during the day;
- special watering regime. In winter – 1.2 times a month, in summer – once every 7-10 days;
- After 3-5 years, the tree needs to be replanted. It is best to do this in the spring;
- By pruning branches, shape the crown for beauty and better growth. It is recommended to leave 4-6 branches. In summer, young branches should be removed;
- In winter, it is better not to subject the tree to any manipulations and ensure the air temperature is +18 degrees.
If you follow these rules, you can get a beautiful, neat green plant and fruits at home.
Usage
Pomegranate ranks first in iron content and increases hemoglobin levels. Therefore, it is recommended as a natural remedy for anemia, chronic fatigue, and anemia. It is also used as follows:
- juices and vinegar are made from the grains;
- culinary component of dishes for preparing sauces and desserts;
- the peel, containing calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, serves as raw material for the production of medicinal preparations;
- the dried bark is used in folk medicine;
- cosmetic use of the juice will stop skin aging;
- Flowers and partitions are brewed, infused, and used as medicinal decoctions.
Pomegranate is not only a tasty low-calorie fruit, but also a valuable product containing beneficial amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Growing conditions
Pomegranates grow and bear fruit in a subtropical climate, on fertile soils, and in conditions of high humidity. Subtropical characteristics:
- average summer temperature not less than +20 degrees;
- average winter temperature from 0 to +4 degrees;
- sea air, making the climate humid and mild.
The average tree lifespan is 50-60 years. Fruiting begins three years after planting. Peak yield occurs in the 8th to 10th year of growth. As the tree ages, it needs to be replaced with younger trees.
Distribution area
Regions of the globe with a subtropical climate:
- Western and Southwestern Asia;
- north of the African continent;
- northwestern part of India;
- Transcaucasia;
- south of Central Asia;
- south of the European continent.
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There are three varieties of pomegranate trees:
- Wild. They survive on Socotra Island in the Gulf of Aden. A shrub species growing in a semi-desert climate zone, which is unusual for the plant.
- Common. Grows in the humid subtropical zone.
- Dwarf. An artificially bred variety for indoor cultivation; they can be used for ornamental purposes.
Today, pomegranates are grown on every continent. India and Egypt are the main suppliers to the global market. Favorable growing and ripening conditions have allowed these countries to grow pomegranates on an industrial scale.
Distribution in Russia
The climate of the southern regions located along the Black Sea coast, in the foothills of the Caucasus, and Crimea favors pomegranate cultivation in Russia, and when ripe, the yield can reach up to 20 kg per tree. Selected varieties resistant to low temperatures have thrived in Russia's southern regions.
Crimea
Pomegranates arrived in Crimea with Greek settlers. The southern part of the peninsula, bordered by the Black and Azov Seas, is suitable for growing trees without additional winter cover. When grown in the northern part of the peninsula, the roots should be insulated to prevent freezing at low temperatures. The fruit begins to ripen in early October.
Krasnodar Krai
Early-ripening varieties are recommended for this location, as they will have time to ripen in the shortened summer. The most commonly grown variety here is the Azerbaijani variety, which blooms in May and ripens by the end of August. In Sochi, pomegranates grow in the southwestern part of the city, along the coast. Sochi's subtropical climate allows pomegranates to thrive, producing a good harvest in early October.
Abkhazia
This region is located in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. The combination of sea and mountain air creates a microclimate conducive to the growth of specially bred pomegranate trees. These oval-shaped trees produce sweet and sour seeds that yield nutritious, high-quality juice.
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Transcaucasia
Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—the coastal climate and mild winters favor the growth and ripening of the fruit. Harvesting begins in early October. In mountainous areas, when temperatures drop, trees are bent to the ground and covered. This truly royal fruit has earned a special holiday in Azerbaijan: Pomegranate Day.
Moscow region
Growing pomegranates in the Moscow region is possible; however, a number of measures are required to create favorable growing conditions. In April, after the snow melts, it's best to build greenhouses over the trees to provide warmth. In the fall, when temperatures drop below 4°C (39°F), it's best to insulate the trees. This will prevent the roots from freezing and the plant from dying. The tree won't bear fruit due to the lack of summer heat, but it will make a decorative addition to your garden.
Millennia of human history have proven the value of fruit to humans. This heat-loving plant, which requires subtropical climates, maritime humidity, and a mild, warm climate, can be grown in Russia. Sochi, Anapa, southern Dagestan, and Crimea are regions with favorable climates that provide Russians with this healthy, tasty product.
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