Our 50-Year-Old Pomegranate Tree: Japan’s Sacred Fruit & Beauty Secret

A Living Treasure in My Garden

In my garden grows a pomegranate tree that has been here since before I was born — over 50 years old. Every autumn, it produces around 50 bright red fruits, filling the garden with color. This year, I’m finally going to make my own pomegranate vinegar!

The Buddhist Legend of Pomegranate

In Japan, pomegranate has a sacred connection to Buddhism. Kishimojin was a demon who devoured children — until the Buddha offered her a pomegranate as a substitute. She was transformed, becoming a protector of children. Her shrines in Tokyo’s Zoshigaya and Iriya are still visited by many today.

Beauty Secret from Korea to Japan

Pomegranate vinegar is hugely popular in Korea as a beauty drink — great for skin and anti-aging. The recipe is simple: equal parts pomegranate seeds, sugar, and vinegar. Mix and wait one month. I’ll be trying this myself this autumn!

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私が生まれた時からある樹齢50年以上のざくろの木があります。毎年秋になるとたくさん実をつけ、その鮮やかな朱色がとってもきれい。今年こそ、ずっと作りたかったざくろ酢に挑戦しようと思っています。

ざくろは日本の仏教と深い縁があります。鬼子母神（きしぼじん）は、かつて子どもを食べる恐ろしい鬼女。しかしお釈迦様は「子どもの代わりにざくろを食べなさい」と諭し、彼女は改心。以来、ざくろは子どもの守り神・鬼子母神のシンボルとなりました。東京の雑司ヶ谷や入谷には今も鬼子母神堂があり、多くの参拝者が訪れます。

ざくろは韓国でも美容食として大人気。ざくろ酢は肌荒れ・アンチエイジングに効果があるとされ、毎朝飲むといいらしい。作り方はとてもシンプル。ざくろの実・砂糖・酢を同量混ぜて1ヶ月待つだけ。今年の秋、私も挑戦します！