Pomegranate Season and Why The Trees Were So Loved by the Ancient Egyptians
Shahinda Abdalla
Every year in the northern hemisphere between September and February, the earth gifts us with her delightful pomegranates. Vibrant, not only in color but in flavor too, the pomegranate has been a favorite amongst Egyptians of all eras featuring in our food as well as our art. The ancient Egyptians revered the pomegranate tree and its delicious tart crimson fruit. The pomegranate was associated with fertility, prosperity, and eternal life. The fruit's abundant seeds were seen as a symbol of fertility and regeneration, and pomegranates featured prominently in Egyptian art and mythology. The Goddess Hathor — often depicted as a cow goddess and associated with maternal care, love and fertility — was closely linked with the symbolism of the pomegranate. The fruit was seen as a sacred symbol of Hathor’s nurturing and life-giving attributes. Pomegranates were used as offerings to various deities in many ancient Egyptian rituals as a symbol of gratitude. Pomegranates accompanied the dead on their journey to the afterlife and were often placed in tombs and given as funerary offerings. They were painted on tomb walls and coffins, and found in the symbolic imagery of the Book of the Dead. Pomegranates were a recurring motif in ancient Egyptian art serving as powerful reminders of the life-death cycle.
In addition to its cultural and symbolic significance, the pomegranate tree provided practical benefits for the ancient Egyptians. Its dense branches offered shade and protection from the sun, while the fruit served as a valuable food source and trade commodity. Its lush foliage and striking blossoms added beauty to the landscape, while the fruit-bearing branches were seen as a testament to the fertility of the land.
The ancient Egyptians also valued the pomegranate for its delicious and nutritious juice. Pomegranate juice was enjoyed by the Egyptians both for its refreshing taste and for its potential health benefits. The antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in pomegranate juice were believed to promote vitality and well-being, making it a cherished beverage in ancient Egyptian society. The fruit was believed to have healing properties and was used in traditional remedies to address ailments ranging from digestive issues to respiratory problems. It was a treasured source of natural medicine by the ancients which further cemented its importance and value in their culture. Today, scientific research has proven what the ancients have known for millennia. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which have been shown to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Moreover, pomegranates have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of arterial plaque buildup, ultimately contributing to a reduced risk of heart disease. The list of health benefits of pomegranates goes on and on — from its cancer prevention properties to supporting our gut microbiome to protecting our skin from environmental stressors to improving memory and cognitive function — it no wonder the ancients loved it so much!
Two Bottles in the Form of Pomegranates, New Kingdom, Ramesside, 1295–1070 B.C. (Image Source)
Today, the pomegranate remains a favorite amongst Egyptians. Pomegranates are used in various culinary preparations, adding a burst of flavor and color to dishes. The fleshy seeds and tart juice are incorporated into a wide range of recipes, from salads and savory stews to decadent desserts, the pomegranate has proven to be a truly versatile fruit. So whether you are making a simple fruit salad or smoothie, or want to enhance your usual salad dressing with a dash of pomegranate molasses, be sure to incorporate this marvelous fruit into your diet this winter season and enjoy all the vitality it gives you.