What a match--honey bees and pomegranate blossoms.

Watching the golden bees forage amid the brilliant red blossoms in the late afternoon is a delight to see, especially when the sun backlights them. 

The ancient fruit, native to Iran, is one of the world's first cultivated fruits. Thankfully, it is now "trendy" in California, with some 30,000 acres of pomegranates in production. We treasure its ruby-red kernels, tart flavor, and high antioxidant content. Since ancient times, the fruit has symbolized health and fertility. It's been said that Adam and Eve weren't tempted by an apple in the Garden of Eden, but by a pomegranate. In Egypt, the pomegranate was known as "The Fruit of Kings." 

Spanish settlers introduced the pomegranate tree to California in 1769. The honey bees came later: 1853. 

But when you think about it, honey bees and pomegranates have been together for millions of years--just not in California.  

The pomegranate tree in our yard is 86 years old and has seen generations of bees come and go. 

A promenade in the pomegranates...