Native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and naturalized over the Mediterranean region, the tree was introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. Pomegranate fruit is consumed in huge quantities throughout the Middle East, and plays a big part in the cuisine and folklore of various ethnic groups. The seeds and surrounding pulp, ranging in color from white to deep red, called arils, are edible. Pomegranates are included in a novel category of exotic fruits called superfruits, which refers to fruit having exceptional nutritional richness and antioxidant qualities, with appealing taste. Indeed, Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement, and is a good source of vitamin B5, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols, which have free-radical scavenging properties. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot or commandments of the Torah. In reality, the actual number of seeds varies in individual fruit.