Israel’s plant production and marketing board has revealed a dramatic increase in pomegranate export values.

This season total exports of the crop will reach a value of NIS 20 million (£2.43m) compared with £1.01m last year, the board said. The national crop is expected to reach 10,000 tonnes - some 3,000t more than last season.

According to the board, there has been a continuous rise in demand for pomegranates in Europe, mainly due to publicity extolling the many health benefits of the fruit, which, as an antioxidant, contributes to lower cholesterol in the blood. It can also reduce high blood pressure, is anti-anaemic and can combat some of the signs of ageing.

Pomegranate plantations cover 1,000 hectares of Israel, from the northern Negev to the Upper Galilee.

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