Pomegranates have been in cultivation for thousands of years, having originated in Afghanistan and Iran. Traditionally, a black ink is made from pomegranate rind when iron sulphate is added. This ‘crow-black ink’ is mentioned in an 11th-century Arabic bookmaking manuscript. The rind can also produce golden yellow, green and grey dyes. A black dye can also be made from pomegranate flowers in the same way as the traditional method for the rind.
Next: Morus nigra (Black Mulberry)
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