Pomegranate had strong symbolic significance for the Ancient Greeks. Three goddesses are connected with this mythical symbol, Demeter, Aphrodite, and Hera.

Pomegranate is closely associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries as priests wore wreaths made of twigs from pomegranate trees during the ceremonies. According to the myth, Pluto tricked Persephone into eating pomegranate seeds after offering her the fruit, though if one ate something from the underworld, one would be forced to live there forever. But since Demeter was insisting on her daughter’s return, all gods decided that Persephone would remain with Pluto for one half of every year and for the other half she would live above ground with her mother, Demeter. In commemoration of this decision, during the third day of the Eleusinian Mysteries or Rites of Eleusis a basket full of pomegranates and poppies was offered to the two goddesses, the mother Demeter and the daughter Persephone. The Eleusinian symbolism of pomegranates and poppies is referring to the unseen forces of nature and the natural laws of birth, growth, and death.

Pomegranate was sacred to Aphrodite. The goddess was said to have first planted it on the island of Cyprus and its fruits symbolized fertility.

According to the Greek traveler and geographer, Pausanias, there was a statue of Hera made of gold and ivory. The statue of the goddess was the work of the sculptor, Polycleitus, in the Sanctuary of Hera or the Heraion of Argos or the Heraion Argive. In one hand she carried a pomegranate and in the other her scepter.

The suggested instructions are for a fast maturation process, as this is a rapid-aged Pomegranate Liqueur.

The recipe makes 10 glass shots of liqueur.

The Pomegranate Liqueur is a great aperitif and digestive.

The Pomegranate Liqueur is the perfect pair for the apple-semolina cream.

You can soak your favorite dried fruits in Pomegranate Liqueur. The aroma is unforgettable!

I love to put my favorite Pomegranate Liqueur in my desserts, my cakes and my chocolates!