Aphrodisiacs of the Middle East: Pomegranate   This time of
year, Mediterranean landscapes display the ripening fruits of
the fall harvest season. Few are as impressive as the grand dame
of them all, the pomegranate. Native to Persia, endemic to the
Middle East, and a central symbol to the Jewish New Year,
pomegranates embody the essence of mythological and religious
lore.  They are also a potentially potent aphrodisiac, a
delicious and elegant addition to those who want to eat well and
make love sustainably.  Symbolic Food  Few fruits besides the
pomegranate have made such a lasting impression as a symbol of
hope and eternal life. Jews recognize this ruby jewel as one of
the first fruits of the autumn harvest season, and eat it during
the high holidays.  In Greek mythology, Hades, the god of the
underworld is said to have seduced the goddess of fertility,
Persephone, with pomegranate seeds. And while the apple usually
takes the blame for humanity’s fall from grace, some biblical
scholars have suggested that