Pomegranate – Iran national fruit
The official national fruit of Iran is Pomegranate which is found in different parts of the country. Iran people love to eat pomegranates during all seasons. In some parts of Iran, it is also used as a medicine to cure various diseases.
Iran has always been known as a land of fruits. Among the various fruits, pomegranates have a special place because they are highly nutritious, delicious and have many medicinal properties.
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Punica granatum
Genus: Punica
Family: Lythraceae
Species: P. granatum
Kingdom: Plantae
The Pomegranate fruit in Iran
Pomegranate fruit is an important part of the diet in Iran. Pomegranates are grown in most parts of Iran and are used to make juice, jams and jellies.
The most common use for pomegranate is to make juice which is usually consumed cold during the hot summer months. The juice can also be used as a marinade for meat or as a condiment in salad dressings.
Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants which help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. It also contains vitamin C which helps maintain healthy bones, gums and teeth.
Facts about Pomegranate Fruit
- Pomegranates are the official fruit and symbol of Iran.
- Pomegranates are a type of fruit that has many seeds. Pomegranates are native to the Middle East, where they grow in hot and dry climates.
- It takes about 70 days for fruits to ripen on trees after flowering
- Pomegranates do not contain cholesterol or saturated fats and can be stored up to 2 months in a refrigerator.
- They are classified as super fruits because they contain antioxidants, B vitamins and other minerals.
- Pomegranates grown in the United States are typically in season from September to December; they do not grow in cold climates like other fruits.
- Pomegranates have very little flavor on their own but taste great when added to dishes such as salads or desserts.
Why is pomegranates the national fruit of Iran?
Pomegranate is the national fruit of Iran because it is a symbol of life and fertility. They are often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize fertility, and they are also believed to have healing properties.
The country’s government officially declared the pomegranate their national fruit in 2002 in an effort to promote the fruit’s health benefits and boost the economy by increasing exports.