The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit bearing deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Lythraceae that grows between 5 and 8 m tall, and originated in the region extending from modern-day Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region. As intact arils or juice, pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine.