I don't have a clear answer to that, but I don't find it hard to believe. Lots of plants and fruits were brought from the Far East to Europe in ancient or medie

I don't have a clear answer to that, but I don't find it hard to believe. Lots of plants and fruits were brought from the Far East to Europe in ancient or medieval times: for instance, oranges and peaches originated in China. There were a number of trade channels (not to mention military campaigns or migrations) which allowed for that. Besides, they're plants, so the trip could easily have taken years or decades for all we know.