Latest news with #Diospyros
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
7 popular types of wood and the trees they come from
In a world filled with concrete and metal, wood still stands out. It's not just about tradition or looks– wood is strong, versatile, and brings natural warmth to our spaces. From furniture and flooring to instruments and incense, it's a part of daily life, often without us realising. Behind every wooden item is a tree shaped by its climate and region. Some woods are valued for strength, others for their texture or scent. We often hear names like teak or mahogany, but don't always know what makes them unique. Here's a look at seven popular types of wood and the trees they come from, to better understand what goes into the products we use every day. Mahogany Mahogany comes from trees in the Swietenia family, native to tropical regions of the Americas and West Africa. Known for its deep, warm tone, mahogany is widely used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and heritage restorations. Its natural resistance to moisture and decay has also made it a trusted material for musical instruments and boat interiors. Cedar Cedarwood comes from various tree species, including Cedrus and Thuja, found across the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and North America. It's known for being lightweight, easy to work with, and naturally resistant to insects and decay. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A failing liver is taking my son away from me! Help him! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Its scent also makes it useful for storage chests, wardrobes, and lining panels in closets, especially in humid climates. Ebony Ebony comes from Diospyros trees found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Central Africa. It's known for its deep black colour and high density, which gives it a smooth, heavy finish. Because of these qualities, ebony is often used in musical instruments, fine carvings, and luxury décor. But its slow growth and rarity have raised conservation concerns in some areas. Cherry Wood Cherry wood comes from Prunus trees, mostly found in North America and Europe. It's a medium hardwood that starts out light but slowly turns a warm, reddish-brown as it ages. Thanks to its smooth texture and soft grain, it's a favourite for shelves, wall panels, and custom furniture. It also takes polish well, which adds to its appeal in home interiors. Agarwood Agarwood isn't an ordinary type of wood– it's valued for its rich, natural scent. It comes from Aquilaria trees found in Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, it only forms when the tree is infected by a specific mould, which turns the heartwood dark and resin-filled. Agarwood is widely used in perfumes, incense, and traditional rituals, and holds cultural and commercial importance in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. Teak Teak comes from Tectona grandis, a tree native to India, Myanmar, and Thailand. With high oil content and natural resistance to water, pests, and weathering, teak is one of the most reliable choices for outdoor furniture, decks, and boats. Because of its longevity and minimal maintenance needs, it continues to be in high demand both in India and globally. Bubinga Bubinga is a strong, eye-catching wood that comes from Guibourtia trees found in West Africa, especially in places like Cameroon and Gabon. It's known for its bold grain and rich colour, which can range from reddish to purplish. Because of its look and strength, bubinga is often used in high-end furniture, veneers, and musical instruments.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Health
- Pink Villa
Katrina Kaif starts her day with persimmon: Take note of 9 benefits of this magical fruit
Katrina Kaif is considered a fitness inspiration by many in Bollywood. The diva's stunning physique, fitness, and lifestyle choices have always left a lasting impression on her fans. Recently, in one of her interviews, Katrina revealed that she consumes two breakfasts a day, with papaya and persimmon making up the first one. While papaya is often praised for its benefits, did you know that persimmon is a magical fruit in itself? What is persimmon? Persimmon is the edible fruit of the Diospyros trees, which are abundantly grown in the warmer regions of Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea. They closely resemble tomatoes in shape and color and are also strikingly similar to oranges. However, persimmons have a soft, jelly-like texture inside, making them completely different and unique from other fruits. They are easily available during the fall season, from October to January. What are the benefits of persimmon? Persimmons have a high nutrient profile, making them a perfect healthy addition to your daily fruit intake. They can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into salads and other savory or sweet dishes. Check out the 9 benefits of persimmons: 1. Aids in heart health Persimmons are rich in natural tannins, a vital fiber that helps effectively reduce high cholesterol levels and promotes clearer arteries by preventing blockages. 2. Helps in good eye health A single serving of persimmon provides more than half the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, making it especially beneficial for improving vision and supporting eye health. 3. Prevents diabetes complications The peel of persimmon is rich in flavonoids, known for their anti-diabetic properties. They help prevent the formation of harmful compounds created when sugars and fats combine in the blood, thereby balancing AGE levels. 4. Blocks stroke and cancer possibilities Persimmon contains antioxidants, along with vitamin C and manganese, which help reduce the risk of serious ailments like stroke. Additionally, it boosts immunity and acts as a natural barrier against the development of cancerous cells. 5. Anti-inflammatory properties Catechins and gallo catechins, compounds abundant in persimmons, help effectively reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. 6. Ideal for weight management For those focused on weight management, including persimmon in the diet can help keep calories and kilos in check. Its high fiber content creates a feeling of fullness with less intake, curbing hunger effectively. 7. Improves bone health Persimmon's manganese and copper content play a key role in supporting bone health. They help strengthen bones and protect them from brittleness. 8. Removes digestive disorders Persimmon is rich in B vitamins, including B1, B2, and B3. These soluble fibers help regulate the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, promoting better digestion and gut health. 9. Brightens and hydrates the skin Persimmons have a high water content, making them an ideal fruit for keeping the body and skin hydrated. They also contain vitamin C, which naturally brightens the skin.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fourth-graders lobby for a state fruit at the Statehouse. Here's what they're proposing
Homelessness, non-disclosure agreements, state boundary adjustments, building contracts and Bitcoin—these are some of the standard topics the Indiana House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee discusses. But this week, they heard from fourth graders about fruit. This specific fruit isn't your average apple, orange or banana. These fourth graders were, and probably still are, passionate about morning, the rotunda was filled with giggles and chatter as the young persimmon promoters entered the capitol. They were there to ask that the succulent treat become the official Hoosier state students' tiny suits, slacks, skirts and sweaters indicated that they were the official persimmon spokespeople and were ready to take the stand. Now, the typical readers may be asking themselves, what exactly is a persimmon? This newly informed reporter is here to enlighten you on the pleasant produce. Persimmons are a sweet, autumnal fruit that falls from the Diospyros tree. They turn yellow or orange when ripe. While persimmons are native to the Hoosier state, they don't grow solely in Indiana; they also thrive in China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Spain and additional U.S. states. Jasper Elementary School teacher Emi Donato spoke with about her students' journey to the Statehouse. What started as a fulfillment of the fourth-grade persuasive writing standard became a bill in the 2025 Indiana General Assembly. Donato's original intent was for the students to start a persimmon petition. Before they did that, they had to have permission from their school superintendent, Dr. Tracy Lorey. Lorey, who this month became the state deputy secretary of education, had a few tricks up her sleeve. Instead of helping the students draft a petition, she connected them with Rep. Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper, who drafted House Bill 1618, which would bring the students' persimmon vision to life. After attending a presentation from the young persimmon advocates, and with just a couple weeks left to file the persimmon bill, Lindauer made the dreams of Jasper fourth graders come true. 'I wanted to hug him even though I didn't really know him,' Donato said. 'I, like, how exciting, you know? The kids are going to be able to go up and actually present.' When the clock struck 10:30 a.m., they indeed presented. The Jasper five gathered at the front of the House chamber, braving the intimidating stares of grinning committee members who were likely excited to hear from someone without gray hair. Sawyer Sternberg was the first student to testify. He provided the committee with a brief introduction to his fellow students' testimony topics and kindly requested that they consider adopting the persimmon as the Hooser state fruit. Fourth-grader Grant Blackman then educated committee members by sharing the persimmon's many health benefits. His suit and tie may have convinced the committee that he is the state's resident fibrous fruit expert. With his tiny note sheet in hand, he boldly informed the room that persimmons reduce inflammation, contain vitamins A, B and C, potassium, and calcium. According to Blackman, they are also high in fiber, which helps with digestion, and are good for the heart. Classmate Sophie Gates testified next. She gave committee members a quick rundown on the students' beloved fruit. First, she stated that persimmon trees can grow anywhere from 35 to 60 feet tall. She added that the fruit is able to grow all over the state and flourishes in rich Hoosier soil. Then she informed the representatives that the fruit's name is derived from the Greek word Diospyros, which means fruit of the gods. 'It gets its vivid name due to its sweet and juicy taste,' Gates said. For a little historical background, she added that Native Americans in Indiana were known to eat dried persimmons. After Gates' presentation, Ariel Cox, whose small but mighty business casual attire may have been envied by Press Row, explained that Indiana would be one of 32 states to adopt an official then appealed to the committee with reason. 'Indiana has a state bird, insect, flower, song and river. So why not have a fruit?' Cox asked. The committee members chuckled, indicating that Cox made a valid point. After Cox's rhetorical question, Mackenzie Morton took the stand and informed the committee of the persimmon's economic benefits. She said the wood from the fruit's tree can be used for golf clubs, drumsticks, instruments, furniture and other goods that would stimulate commerce in Indiana. As a reporter who was once assigned the commerce beat, this writer thought young Morton's knowledge on the needs of the Hoosier market was impressive. After sharing the persimmon's economic implications, she added that the fruit is great to cook with. At Mitchell's annual Persimmon Festival, there is a persimmon pudding contest, which is a popular Hoosier persimmon treat. When students finished their presentation, the well-briefed lawmakers asked their burning Joanna King, R-Middlebury, asked the students if they brought a persimmon in for the committee to try. When they said no, she expressed her disappointment. 'We love to eat here in the House,' King said. 'That would have been a great treat for us here this morning.' Even though she didn't get to try the fruit, King was excited to learn that persimmon trees can grow in northern Indiana, where she is from. 'That would be a good reason for me to vote for this bill,' she said. Rep. David Abbott, R Rome City, asked the students if anyone had ever tasted the fruit. Cox explained that it is good, but the one she had was tart. Rep. Chris Campbell, D-West Lafayette, wondered if the students considered any other fruits. Blackman said they thought about the pawpaw, another native Hoosier fruit. Out of respect for their Ohioan neighbors, the students settled on the persimmon. 'We didn't do it because our neighboring state Ohio has it,' he said. When the questioning ceased, committee Chair Rep. Doug Miller R-Elkhart, thanked the fruitful advocates for their time. He decided to hold HB 1618 to ensure it had careful consideration. The five testifiers and their classmates who came to observe left the chamber when the discussion was Gates, Blackman, Sternberg and Morton told that presenting to committee members made them 'very nervous and scared.' This new reporter, who has only been on the job for two months, thoroughly sympathized with that students agreed it was especially intimidating when the representatives began asking them follow-up questions. 'We didn't know what was going to happen,' Morton said. Despite their anxieties, the young Jasper natives successfully fulfilled their civic duty. Donato recognized that the fight for the persimmon is far from over. Her students' next step in persimmon endorsement will be creating an online petition that Hoosiers all over the state can sign to support the Southern Indiana dreamers. 'It's exciting that some kids can make a difference,' Sternberg said, 'not just adults.' Anna Cecil is a reporter for a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fourth-graders form a persuasive persimmon lobby at the Statehouse
