Pomegranate
Author
Institution
“Pomegranates are currently ranked as the 18th most consumed fruit globally. It is ex-
pected to move to 10th place within the next 10 years due to the fruit’s health benefits,
improved cultivar selection and convenient pre-packaging.” - Pomegranate Associa-
tion of South Africa
T
he pomegranate has one of the longest
cultivation histories of all fruits, having
been central to the Middle Eastern diet
since antiquity. Despite its role in art,
medicine and religion, and the many myths that
surrounded it, pomegranates remained a backyard
crop that, until recently, were at most considered a
seasonal novelty.
However, when the latest medical research
confirmed pomegranates’ superfood status, it
propelled this fruit to stardom and changed the
ways it is produced and consumed.
Since 2000, there has been a marked increase
in the commercial farming of pomegranates
worldwide as consumers clamour to benefit from
the vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that
give pomegranate seeds their anti-inflammatory
and anti-hypertension properties. Adding to the
demand are claims that the fruit could have a
positive effect on prostate cancer, heart disease
and HIV-1.
AgriKultuur |AgriCulture
The pomegranate is not an easy fruit to eat.
Beneath its tough, leathery skin are hundreds of
juicy, bright-red, jewel-like arils (or seeds), held
together by paper-thin membranes that are bitter
and inedible. Getting the arils out can be time
consuming and pomegranate juice causes stains
that are difficult to remove from fabrics. But since
the fruit’s health profile has risen, people are
willing to make the effort.
Although the demand for this niche fruit is
increasing exponentially, worldwide supply is still
very low. In the Northern Hemisphere, the largest
producers are Israel, Turkey and the USA. In the
Southern Hemisphere, South Africa competes with
Chile, Australia, Peru and Argentina.
As growing demand creates more export
opportunities, producers are finding ways to fill
the seasonal window during spring and early
summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
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