Pomegranate
Description
A fruit and shrub (Punica granatum) native to southwestern Asia but now cultivated worldwide. Pomegranate rind, a natural yellow dye, is extracted from the skin of the unripe fruits. It has been used as a tannin and colorant for leather. Wool dyed with pomegranate extract is usually brown or black.
- See also [Uemera Dye Archive (Zakuro)]
Synonyms and Related Terms
Punica granatum; pomegranate rind; pomegranate peel; dalim; Natural Yellow 7; Granatapfel (Deut.); Grenadine (Deut.); granada (Esp.); grenade (Fr.); granaatappel (Ned.); granatowiec właściwy (Pol.); romã (Port.); granatäpple (Sven.); zakuro (Jap.)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Rounded shrub growing to 6 m. Bark=smooth aging to irregular ridges and furrows. Leaves, often evergreen, simple, leathery, ovate (1-3 inches long) Fruit=Round (to 4 inches), leathery red rind containing sacks of sweet red pulp surrounding seeds.
Additional Information
C.Ben Nasr, M.Metche, "A Study of the Association of the Tannins in Pomegranate Peel with Wool Proteins: Effect on Colour" Dyes in History and Archaeology, No.15, Paper presented in Manchester England, Nov. 1996.
Additional Images
Zakuro husk
Zakuro husk
Zakuro husk
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Colour Index International online at www.colour-index.org
- Helmut Schweppe, Schweppe color collection index and information book
- A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate (Accessed Dec. 9, 2005)
- Virginia Tech Dendrology website at www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm (Accessed Dec. 9, 2005)