Punica granatum Dente di leone - Pomegranate

Punica granatum 'Dente di leone' is characterized by its abundant production of medium-sized fruits, weighing up to 500 grams, with a round shape and a diameter of 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in). The thick and glossy skin is yellow-orange, washed with red when ripe. They contain a pink, juicy pulp with a flavour that is acidic and sweet and numerous crunchy red seeds. This combination of flavours brings the bitterness and sweetness that is characteristic of the pomegranate, delighting the taste buds. Whether eaten fresh or transformed into juice, the pomegranate offers numerous benefits and is an essential ally for a balanced diet. To achieve proper fruit ripening, this variety requires a long and hot summer. Its limited growth is well-suited for small gardens, and its particularly decorative orange flowering is attractive to pollinators. It is best planted in spring when the climate warms up, in any deep and well-draining soil, even relatively dry.

Punica granatum, commonly known as the Pomegranate or Balaustier, Carthaginian Apple, Punic Apple, or Pomegranate, is a small fruit tree belonging to the Lythraceae family (previously part of the Punicaceae family). Born in Persia over 5000 years ago, the pomegranate has been found throughout history in Egypt, Greece, Africa, and then Spain. It is cultivated from Asia to Europe. The city of Granada, a crossroads of Arab and Andalusian civilizations located in southern Spain, owes its name to the presence of the pomegranate, brought by the Moors and widely planted in the mythical gardens of the Alhambra palace. This tree also adorned the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Romans discovered it in Carthage, naming it the Apple of Carthage. It is a species with a long lifespan, capable of living up to 200 years.

The 'Dente di leone' variety has its origins in Italy, where it is most cultivated. It is a highly productive variety, with abundant and regular fruiting, taking 5 to 7 years to begin. Initially, 'Dente di leone' forms a tuft of thorny and tangled branches with fairly rapid growth until maturity, which does not occur before the age of 5-6 years. The mature plant develops at a much slower pace, eventually forming a small tree at least 4 metres (13 feet 1 inches) tall and 2.50 metres (8 feet 2 inches) wide, with a spread and rounded habit. From a tuft, it becomes a tree with a trunk that has twisted allure, reminiscent of olive trees if pruned. Its deciduous foliage is composed of small, shiny, bright green oval leaves, 4 to 7 cm (1.6 to 2.8 in) long and 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) wide. They emerge bronze to purple in spring and turn beautiful golden to reddish-orange shades in autumn before falling. The pomegranate is a monoecious plant, meaning it bears both male flowers that produce pollen and female flowers that will produce the fruits. The flowering occurs in June-July and sporadically continues throughout the summer. The flowers are approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter and composed of crinkled petals in a beautiful orange-red colour, emerging from a thick, waxy calyx that already resembles the future pomegranate. It is quite sensitive to cold and capable of withstanding temperatures around -8°C (17.6 °F). Late frosts in April-May can affect flowering and hinder fruit production. The pomegranate is self-fertile, with male and female flowers pollinating each other. It does not require a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another variety of pomegranate nearby will increase production.

The harvest takes place in September-October, depending on the climate. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are ripe. A pomegranate is ripe when the skin is bright red and cracks. It is important not to wait until the fruit bursts. Another maturity indicator is when the small petal-like appendages at the end of the fruit are turned or curled inward. The fruit's skin consists of a hard, red outer skin and a thick, spongy, whitish inner skin. The interior of the fruit is divided into compartments, each containing a transparent and sticky envelope called an "aril" that contains numerous seeds. Both the seeds and the aril are edible. Pomegranate can be consumed fresh with a small spoon, or used as a garnish for fruit salads or as a sauce accompanying meat or fish. Transforming it into juice allows you to extract all the benefits of this "superfruit". The seeds can also be pressed to obtain a good oil for cosmetics. It is important to harvest the fruits only when they are ripe, as they do not ripen further after being picked.

Rich in water, the pomegranate is refreshing and thirst-quenching. It can be consumed fresh or transformed into juice, especially since the health benefits are higher than those of the fruit itself. Known for its richness in antioxidants, it is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, fibres and as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, folic acid, and potassium. The fruits can be stored for a few weeks to several months after harvest in the refrigerator at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4 °F).

In the category of Pomegranates, the 'Dente di leone' pomegranate is appreciated both for its fruit qualities and its decorative aspects, with its generous and long flowering period and the autumnal colours of its foliage. It is easy to cultivate and resistant to diseases, growing without problems wherever olive trees and fig trees can establish themselves. However, proper development and fruit ripening require sufficient sunlight and warmth. It is a magnificent subject to plant either in isolation on a lawn, in a bed or mixed hedge, or near the orchard. In warm locations, it finds its place alongside other Mediterranean fruit trees such as the Fig tree, Olive tree, Loquat, Jujube tree, etc.