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Binomial name: Passiflora edulis ligularis The pomegranate is the fruit of a deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m tall. Origin: it is originally of Asia, Persia (now Iran) and Afghanistan, although the Phoenicians exported it to the Western Mediterranean; Carthage led its production and exportation. Since the 18th dynasty until beginnings of the 2000 B.C. it was cultivated in Egypt. Medicinal values: it has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diarrhea, antidiabetic and antibacterial action. Caloric value per 100 g: 62 kcal Curiosities: it is thought to have aphrodisiac effects and it is related to fertility ceremonies. In Greece this fruit was used in Dionysian rites. |