The pomegranate, native to Persia, is one of the oldest fruits known to man. It was brought to China about 100 BC by Han dynasty representative, Jang Qian, who also introduced coriander, walnuts, peas, cucumbers, alfalfa, grapes and caraway seeds to the Far East.
The pomegranate made its way to Italy via Carthage. Ancient Romans not only enjoyed the succulent flesh of this fruit, they also tanned and used the rinds as a form of leather. Perhaps due to the fruit's princely blossom crown, it has gained distinction as a royal fruit.
It was the Muslims who brought the seedy fruit to Spain round 800 CE. Granada was named for the pomegranate, which became their national emblem. From Muslim Spain, the pomegranate spread to Britain, France and other parts of Europe. It reached American shores by way of the Spanish.
Another delicacy for which the West has Muslims to thank for spreading
