انار

What it means

انار (anâr) means “pomegranate.” Native Persian word for the fruit that has been cultivated in Iran for thousands of years. Carries enormous cultural weight in Persian poetry, mythology, and food.

How to use it

• انار شیرین است (anâr shirin ast) “The pomegranate is sweet”
• آب انار می‌خواهم (âb-e anâr mikhâham) “I want pomegranate juice”
• انار درختش پر بار است (anâr derakht-ash por bâr ast) “The pomegranate tree is full of fruit”

Common pairings

• آب انار (âb-e anâr) “pomegranate juice”
• دانه انار (dâne-ye anâr) “pomegranate seed”
• رب انار (rob-e anâr) “pomegranate molasses”
• فسنجان (fesenjân) “walnut-pomegranate stew” (national dish)

Cultural note

The pomegranate is central to شب یلدا (Shab-e Yaldâ, the winter solstice), where Iranians eat the bright red fruit to symbolize the sun. It appears in Persian poetry as a symbol of ripeness, abundance, and love. Pomegranate seeds in stews and salads are signature elements of Persian cuisine.

References

• Dehkhoda
• Vajehyab