As Autumn approaches, the pomegranate (nar in Turkish) is starting to ripen in gardens and fields.  The pomegranate is one of the earliest cultivated fruits.  Historical evidence suggests that man first began planting pomegranate trees sometime between 4000 B.C. and 3000 B.C.

Now, in the 21st century, pomegranate juice (nar juice is sold in cartons in all local supermarkets), is recognised throughout the world as an important health food.

An important antioxidant, drinking just one glass of nar juice a day can significantly reduce cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, according to scientific research in Israel.  Similar research is now taking place in the UK.

Although pomegranates grew in the wild before the dawn of agriculture, they were one of the first five domesticated crops along with olives, grapes, figs and dates.  Believed to be first domesticated somewhere in northern Persia or Turkey, pomegranates still occur in the wild.

Wild pomegranate trees can often be found at roadsides in and around Kalkan but now the pomegranate is becoming increasingly cultivated. Turkey is now one of the worlds largest growers of pomegranate.

Throughout history, this richly-colored and delicious fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility, and rebirth.  Some cultures also believed it held profound and mystical healing powers.  Still others chose to use it in more practical ways, as a dye or decoration.

The round, leathery fruit when opened is bursting with edible seeds nestling in juice sacs.  Brimming with vitamins A, C, E and iron the pomegranate is now used in everything from medicine to cocktails.

The pomegranate needs hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making the Mediterranean region of Turkey an ideal location for pomegranate cultivation.  It requires little looking after, is largely disease resistant, requires minimal watering and produces abundant fruit even when the tree is still young. Both the Bible and the Koran refer to it as 'the gift of God'

There are some who believe that it was the pomegranate not the apple which was offered to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The Prophet Mohammed is said to have urged his followers to eat the pomegranate in the belief that its consumption purges the body of greed and envy.

The ancient Egyptians were buried with pomegranates believing that they signified re-birth.

Herbalists have used the pomegranate for hundreds of years. The famous seventeenth century English herbalist Culpeper recommends its use and in China, India and the Middle East it is used by practitioners of natural medicine.

In Turkey, the pomegranate was used in herbal medicine, long before any scientific research confirmed its health-giving properties. Healers use the tree bark, leaves, skin, rind and seeds of the fruit to cure a variety of ills. A bolied infusion of the rind soothes a sore throat and a paste of the leaves, massaged into the scalp can apparently cure baldness. The bark can be boiled and the liquid when drunk cures tapeworms. It is a useful emetic and a pomegranate infusion is used to cure a variety of stomach upsets. Pregnant women are encouraged to drink pomegranate juice because it is so rich in iron.

(KTLN is merely reporting the reputed benefits, andprovides no assurances as to the efficacy of this 'wonder-fruit').

The prestigious Harvard University Mens Health Watch says two studies show it helps fight prostrate cancer and can significantly decrease post-surgery recovery times.

Nar essence - a distillation of fresh pomegranate juice is widely used in cooking and is hailed by many world famous chefs as the new balsamic vinegar.  Commercially it is often called pomegranate molasses and can be bought in shops selling middle-eastern food. 

Its rich, tangy, sweet and sour flavour makes it a perfect dressing for salads, a marinade for fish and meat - it's a great tenderiser for meat which is going to be cooked on the barbecue, and a vital ingredient in many sauces both savoury and sweet.  It is also used in cocktails - try a pomegranate margarita made with nar essence- delicious.

If you are lucky enough to be in Kalkan on market day, you can buy the very best, home produced nar essence from the stall holders at the back of the fruit and vegetable section of the market, the ones selling cheese, olive oil and dairy products.  There's no fancy marketing and no label.  It will be sold to you in an old coca-cola bottle or similar.  This is the freshest, most naural nar essence you can buy, no added ingredients, no preservatives, just the pure product - the kind that chef's in London pay £25 for half a litre.  Here it will cost you less than 10 lira.  Once opened, it will keep in a cool, dark cupboard for up to a year.

So whether you want to improve your health, cook perfect barbecued chicken or create a mouth watering cocktail make sure you are well stocked with pomegranates.