The pomegranate /'p?m?gr鎛?t/; botanical name Punica granatum; is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing between 5-8 meters (16-26 ft) tall.

The pomegranate is widely considered to have originated in Iran and has been cultivated since ancient times. Today; it is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region of southern Europe; the Middle East and Caucasus region; northern Africa and tropical Africa; the Indian subcontinent; Central Asia and the drier parts of southeast Asia. Introduced into Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769; pomegranate is also cultivated in parts of California and Arizona.

In the Northern Hemisphere; the fruit is typically in season from September to February. In the Southern Hemisphere; the pomegranate is in season from March to May.

The pomegranate has been mentioned in many ancient texts; notably in Babylonian texts; the Book of Exodus; the Homeric Hymns and the Quran. In recent years; it has become more common in the commercial markets of North America and the Western Hemisphere.

Pomegranates are used in cooking; baking; juices; smoothies and alcoholic beverages; such as martinis and wine. Pictures From Asia Pictures From Asia