9192 Pomegranate

Pomegranate TAP9192

In Arabia, caravans carried
not only trade goods, but
necessary supplies, water,
and food for the travelers.
Ttraders from India
probably introduced the
pomegranate (Punica
granatum Linnaeus) to the
Arabs. The fruit was not
the most valuable item on
the routes, but possibly
the most useful.

The pomegranate's
leathery-skin provided a
long storage life.
Containing up to 85
percent water, the fruit
supplied liquid and
minerals--calcium, iron,
phosphorus, sodium, and
potassium--lost to
perspiration. Ancient
traders thought this
refreshment the 'fruit of
Paradise'. The trees were
tolerant of drought, heat,
and neglect. Wherever
Arabian caravansaries or
Phoenician sea colonies
were built, pomegranates
were planted to supply
travelers.

Size

144cm x 70cm