Latest news with #DragonFruit
Time of India
17 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Tropical Exotica: Kerala's new bumper harvest
Kochi/Kottayam: Rambutan trees, blanketed by large red-coloured nets that were once used for fishing, welcome visitors as one enters Thottapuzhassery village in Pathanamthitta district. Almost every house here has either a Rambutan or some exotic fruit trees enmeshed with nets around their branches so that birds and pests do not peck into the ripe fruits. Though it has been raining heavily, the plucking of fruits has not stopped, catering to the huge demand of the booming exotic fruit markets of Kerala and abroad. Gone are the days when fruits like Avocado and Dragon Fruit used to come from tropical South Asian and South American countries to be sold exclusively in malls and hypermarkets of Kerala. Today, these exotic fruits are cultivated locally and get sold out quickly even in the neighbourhood retail vegetable stores. This shift in farming that is occurring in midlands and highlands of Kerala is mainly due to the fall in rubber prices added to the high labour cost for tapping rubber. The farmers who had earlier prospered on the rubber boom of the late 80s and early 90s are now turning towards exotic fruit farming which have become more profitable, and some say, more enriching to the soul. "Although they are earning well, they are also providing the community with nutritious fruits which is a great health service," said village agricultural officer Latha Mary Thomas. Thottappuzhassery village is a model for exotic fruit farming for the state, mainly because of a combined effort from the state agricultural department and a farmers' collective in the village known as Samridhi Karshaka Sangham. The Sangham has now launched an initiative to convert the entire village into a 'Fruit Gramam'. They are receiving active support from the agricultural, tourism and industries departments for this initiative. "It all started with 11 farmers who foresaw the profitability and scope of growing exotic fruit trees like Rambutan, Avocado, Durian, Milk Fruit, Mangosteen and Langsat," said Thomas. The local Krishi Bhavan is promoting farm tourism and distributing saplings to the residents. "The panchayat too is supporting in a big way and they approved Rs 2.5 lakh this time for buying saplings," she said. The farmers are mostly retired people, some returning to their native place after a long stint abroad. However, there are also people like Philip Kurien, who gave up his lucrative job abroad and began farming exotic fruits on his ancestral property in the village. Tracing the history of exotic fruit farming in the village, Philip says it all began years ago, even before people started going to the Middle East. "People used to bring seeds from Malaysia and Singapore and sow exotic fruit seeds in the backyards of their houses, though not on this large scale,'' says Philip, who gave up his job in logistics at Dubai airport to do farming. The village is located on the banks of Pampa river and the soil here suits well for exotic fruit farming. Philip replaced his 4-acre rubber plantation adjacent to his house with mangosteen trees. He has around 150 trees now. Farmers say a fully matured Mangosteen tree gives 80-100kg of fruit a year, and ideally, the farmer should get around Rs 10,000 from one tree and a Rambutan tree will give 300-400kg of fruit and one kilogram costs around Rs 100. Farmers say some fruits are exported while others are sold in major tourist destinations and even to resorts. N V Varghese has around 1,000 dragon fruit plants on the farm adjacent to his house. After his wife passed away a few years back and his two daughters settled in the UK, the 75-year-old finds himself engaged with the farm where he even has rare fruit plants like Milk Fruit. "I started farming around five years ago after buying Dragon Fruit from the market. I thought of doing organic farming of these fruits and started. Now it has turned into a very profitable one and keeps me engaged," he says. The farmers' collective has decided to attract more farmers into the fold. They have also started making value-added products from these fruits like jams, squash, jelly, dried fruits, etc. Currently, they sell it through an eco-shop in the village. "The panchayat committee has formally approved the fruit gramam project. A cluster of 130 farmers will be formed to improve the activities. There are 13 wards in the panchayat and 10 farmers from each ward will be included in this project. We are ready to provide whatever funds are required for the project," panchayat president R Krishnakumar said. The panchayat has around 3,000 houses and 1,154ha of cultivable land. However, a major contributor in pushing exotic fruit farming revolution in the state is Homegrown, which has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for high-quality planting material. According to Homegrown MD Jose Jacob, the trend of exotic fruit farming began in the state around 10 years ago. "People started losing interest in cash crops due to various reasons, including the difficulty in getting labour. We produce two million plants every year. We also have a nursery on a 110-acre land in Kanjirappally apart from model farms for each fruit," he said. According to the survey conducted by Homegrown last year, the commercial production of Rambutan alone in the state in 2024 was 22,500 tonnes and the value of the commercial production was Rs 270 crore. The study also revealed that there were around 6.5 lakh Rambutan plants under commercial farming in the state. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala too started Rambutan farming in two of their rubber estates at Kodumon and Chandanappally, both in Pathanamthitta district. There are around 600 plants at Kodumon and 525 plants in Chandanappally. Like the small-time farmers, traders from Tamil Nadu buy these fruits in these estates too. In the Idukki high ranges, around 150 farmers in Vattavada near Munnar are into Strawberry farming. Subhash B, a farmer says the fruits grown here are sweeter and hence have got a premium quality and the farmers are resorting to direct marketing as Munnar is a tourist destination. Govt intervention to support commercial farming through its initiatives of making Kerala a 'high value horticulture hub' has also given it a fillip. Finance minister K N Balagopal in his budget speech this year had set aside Rs 30 crore under the Co-operative Initiative in Technology-driven Agriculture (CITA). As much as Rs 18.92 crore was provided for the development of fruits, flowers and medicinal plants focusing on increasing the production and productivity of indigenous and exotic high value fruits. Kerala Agriculture University has set up a fruit garden where most of the exotic fruits that are being sold in nurseries are planted and tested. "There are more than 20-25 exotic fruit varieties that can be cultivated in Kerala, because the climate is similar. Many of our fruits are seasonal, but when you have a spread of fruiting plants, you will get some fruit or other every time of the year," pomology and floriculture department head Jyothi Bhaskar said. Agriculture officials said not all exotic fruits can be a commercial success. "There are various soil types in Kerala. We must study how these exotic fruits respond to our soil types with respect to its growth. We follow these farmers and study its yield before we recommend it," said M A Sudheer Babu, senior soil survey officer, Thrissur. ———————————— SOWING THE SEEDS OF FRUITFUL CHANGE The soil and climate of Kerala, which is in the Indo-Malay biological zone, provide a perfect blend for growing some of the exotic fruits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100-150cm annual rainfall exotic fruit trees need ------------- They can be grown on surfaces up to 1,500M altitude ---------- Thrive in any kind of soil with good drainage & 5.5-6.5 pH range ---------- Largely cultivated by individuals in Idukki & Thrissur ---------- Dragon Fruit, Lychee, Kiwi, Avocado, Mangosteen are some of the commercially cultivated fruits, the saplings of which are sold mostly through nurseries ----------- $19.3bn is the market size of exotic fruits expected to reach around this year in India ------------ Fruits cultivated under Mission for Integrated Devpt of Horticulture - 2023-24 (Read as crops, area in hectares) Dragon Fruit (without integration) 34.24 Strawberry (with integration) 31.65 Banana 649.91 Pineapple 369.57 Papaya 14.36 Mango 24.60 Jackfruit 63.67 Avocado 24.77 Rambutan 102.24 Passion Fruit 18 Mangosteen 29.17 Garcinia 8.50 (Kerala Economic Review 2023-24) ------------------- Fruits that suit our weather and palate and can be grown in homesteads (Read as fruit, land of origin, nutritional value) 1. Mangosteen Southeast Asian islands Vit B2, B5 2. Avocado Americas Vit B, K 3. Dragon Fruit Central America Vit C, fibre 4. Pulasan Malay Peninsula Vit C 5. Longan Myanmar Vit C, Potassium, 6. Durian Southeast Asia (King of fruits) Sugar and fat 7. Abiu Amazon Vit C, A, Calcium, Phosphorus 8. Star apple or Milk fruit Panam, Mongolia Flavonoids and vitamin E, C, and A 9. Matoa Pacific, Southeast Asia Vit C, E 10. Israeli Fig Israel Vit A, C, K, Calcium, Potassium 11. Brazilian Mulberry Brazil Vit C, K, Potassium, iron 12. Tennis Ball Cherry USA Vit C 13. Sundrop fruit South America Vit C 14. Jabuticaba Brazil Vit E, C, iron 15. Miracle Fruit Africa Suppresses sourness and induces sweetness- pH dependent taste modifier 16. Maraba Caribbean, Central America Vit C 17. West Indian cherry Caribbean Vit C 18. Black Sapote or Soapapple Mexico, Central America Vit C, Calcium, A, iron 19. Rollinia Brazil Vit C, Calcium, Potassium 20. Surinam Cherry South America Vit C
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Einstein Bros. Bagels Introduces New Line of Morning Mocktails
Featuring All-Day Happy Hour…Because It's 5 AM Somewhere! DENVER, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting June 18, Einstein Bros.® Bagels is adding to its breakfast beverage menu with the launch of Morning Mocktails — a lineup of made-to-order, juice-based drinks, with all the fun and none of the alcohol. The new beverages pair perfectly with the brand's fresh-baked bagel & shmears and variety of egg sandwiches. The new Morning Mocktails feature bright, fruit-forward flavors, and will be available at participating locations nationwide starting June 18, 2025. As part of the launch, Einstein Bros. will offer an All-Day Happy Hour Special: A Bagel & Shmear with choice of Morning Mocktail for $5.99. The Morning Mocktails lineup includes: Bros. Bay Breeze — Cranberry, Lemonade & Passion Fruit Passion Fruit Sunrise — Orange Juice, Lemonade & Passion Fruit Dragon Fruit Lemon Drop — Lemonade & Dragon Fruit Energy Spritz — Dragon Fruit & Monster Energy® PHOTOS HERE "Not that we have anything against orange juice, but there's so many other delicious and refreshing flavors to enjoy in the morning," said Chad Thompson, head of culinary at Einstein Bros. Bagels. "With our new Morning Mocktails, we're offering guests more variety with these made-to-order options – the perfect complement to their favorite bagels." The All-Day Happy Hour Special is a Bagel & Shmear and Morning Mocktail combo that hits the spot for only $5.99. Guests can choose any classic or signature fresh-baked bagel with any cream cheese shmear flavor to pair with the Morning Mocktail of their choice. Those who opt for a caffeine*-boosted Happy Hour Special can choose the Energy Spritz made with Monster Energy ® for only a dollar more. The Happy Hour Special pairings are endless, so those looking for variety always have something new to enjoy. For more information about Einstein Bros. Bagels and to see their full menu, visit Einstein Bros. Bagels or for the latest updates and promotions, follow Einstein Bros. Bagels on socials. *Not recommended if under 18, sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing. Einstein Bros. Bagels locations here. Media Kit here. About Einstein Bros.® Bagels Einstein Bros.® Bagels is a neighborhood bakery known for endless combinations of fresh-baked bagels and premium double-whipped cream cheese. Also serving a variety of breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and catering, Einstein Bros. Bagels has more than 700 locations throughout the United States. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, one of the nation's largest fast-casual restaurant companies, comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit MEDIA CONTACT Sara Schiffer + Madeleine Nasch Proof PR bagels@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Einstein Bros. Bagels Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Black America Web
13-06-2025
- Health
- Black America Web
Tried It: Turn Your Shower Into A Pamper Party With Dove's Delightful Body Scrubs
Source: As both the temperatures and the news cycle continue to heat up, it's important for us to carve out small moments for ourselves, wherever we can find them. While it looks different for everyone, as a self-professed skin care girlie (edit: grown woman), taking care of my skin and indulging in a luxury scent are always at the top of my self-care list. Some may fail to understand that indulgence is a necessary form of rebellion, but for me, in this moment, it truly is. But also, these bills … So for a skin-care, spa-loving mom on a budget like myself, I'm always looking to maximize pampering with affordability. So, I jumped at the chance to try out Dove's line of beloved body scrubs, back on the shelves with new scents and larger containers, still at the same affordable price point. A staple of TikTok influencers and Reddit recommendations, the Dove Body Scrubs are known for their formulas that provide rich and gentle exfoliation while also incorporating moisturization. Exfoliation is certainly a buzzy part of any skin care routine, but it's critical to remember that everything isn't for everyone, and the last thing you need is to irritate your skin. So be sure to do your own research. That said, Dove is very confident in their product and stands by the claims made by their own in-house research team. Dove Body Scrubs 'Dove Scrubs proprietary ¼ moisturizing cream infused in the formula, effectively exfoliates while nourishing skin, leaving skin feeling smooth after usage,' says Toral Patel, Dove Scrubs Research and Development Lead. Source: Dove / Courtesy of Brand The Dove team invited HelloBeautiful to experience the scrubs with an exclusive spa service at Spencer's Spa in New York City. The team answered questions about the formula and allowed us to compare Dove's formula to unnamed competitors on the market. The experience itself was luxurious, but my primary goal was to understand what sets Dove apart and to provide an honest review of the product for you. What stood out to me, aside from the formula, was the richness of Dove's product as averse to the competitors, some of which felt too watery or too dry. Dove tells HB that it's because they use Perlite, a type of volcanic rock as their exfoliant, as well as HEBE noodle and stearic as their moisturizing agent. As someone with sensitive skin, I asked the research team what the ideal cadence for exfoliation is, and they emphasized that it varies from person to person. Having now used it a few times, I still find that I can only exfoliate with it 2-3 times weekly to avoid any dryness or irritation, despite the rich, creamy formula, and that I do best when using to apply it with a washcloth or sponge, otherwise it can be a little rough on your hands. The scents are also a big selling point, with a total of 7 blends available, including their new Dragon Fruit & Shea Butter and Vanilla Sugar & Shea Butter formulas. My favorite continues to be the Brown Sugar and Coconut Butter (which also happens to provide the strongest exfoliation). But there's a wide range from fruity to sweet, which lingers on your skin for a bit of time after your shower, which is always a plus. You can find Dove body scrubs online or at your favorite drug store or big box retailer. SEE ALSO Tried It: Turn Your Shower Into A Pamper Party With Dove's Delightful Body Scrubs was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serial Entrepreneur Cameron Forni Brings Adaptaphoria to Benzinga Capital Conference with Exclusive Tastings and Industry Panel
Reputation Pros Highlights Serial Entrepreneur Cameron Forni Brings Adaptaphoria to Benzinga Capital Conference with Exclusive Tastings and Industry Panel Chicago, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Reputation Pros is pleased to highlight ADAPTAPHORIA, the new hemp-infused functional beverage brand from modern socializer and cannabis pioneer Cameron Forni, is making a bold debut at the Benzinga Capital Conference in Chicago. The brand will feature live tastings on the show floor and host an exclusive, VIP invite-only dinner pairing its beverages with a curated cannabis-infused menu. Forni will also speak on a high-impact industry panel exploring the future of cannabis beverage distribution. As Adaptaphoria steps into the spotlight, it brings with it a powerful mission: to revolutionize social drinking through plant-based beverages that enhance energy or relaxation. The brand's debut collection—Energize and Unwind—blends adaptogens, botanicals, and hemp-based cannabinoids to offer an intentional, alcohol-free alternative for today's health-conscious and sober-curious consumers. 'Adaptaphoria is about elevating how we connect,' says founder Cameron Forni. 'Post-pandemic, we're facing a loneliness epidemic. People are looking for more meaningful connections, and we believe that social beverages should reflect that. We've created drinks that help people feel more present, without alcohol or sugar crashes.' At Benzinga, Adaptaphoria Will: Offer Live Tastings on the show floor, introducing attendees to its flavor-forward, effect-based beverages. Host an Exclusive VIP Dinner, pairing Adaptaphoria drinks with a gourmet cannabis-infused menu for select influencers, investors, and executives. Feature Cameron Forni on a Premier Industry Panel titled 'Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Delivery, or Dispensaries: Who Will Own the Cannabis Beverage Consumer?' alongside leaders from Iconic Tonics, Daisy Labs, Franny's Farmacy, and TradeWorks. The panel will explore where the cannabis beverage market is heading as retailers like DoorDash and Total Wine enter the space. 'Consumer preferences are shifting—Gen Z is rejecting alcohol and artificial ingredients. With Select, I built a category-defining brand grounded in quality, and with Adaptaphoria, I'm applying the same discipline to a new wave of conscious consumption,' adds Forni. 'We're the first high-functional beverage with just 3 grams of sugar, only 15 calories, and a 5-minute onset,' he continues. 'The real marvel is achieving a rapid emulsion without any weed flavor or bitterness. We're sampling at Benzinga with industry tastemakers, and everyone's saying it's delicious!' says founder Cameron ForniFlavor and Function Energize Dragon Fruit and Black Berry Cola: Features Rhodiola Rosea, Guarana, Vitamin B12, and AstraGin® for stamina and focus. Unwind White Peach and Chill Berry: Crafted with KSM-66 Ashwagandha®, Passion Flower, and GABA to soothe and center. With intentional ingredients and refined flavor profiles, Adaptaphoria complements modern rituals—whether at happy hour, at home, or on the Praise 'We're thrilled to be part of the Adaptaphoria launch at the Benzinga Capital Conference,' says Eugenio Garcia, CEO of Cannabis Now. 'It's always a proud moment to introduce a revolutionary product to the cannabis industry. For those attending, this will be remembered as a milestone moment for cannabis beverages—and Adaptaphoria is leading the way as one of the highest-quality brands in the space.'About Adaptaphoria Adaptaphoria is a wellness-first brand creating functional, hemp-infused beverages designed to enhance everyday moments. Founded by Cameron Forni, the brand unites flavor, science, and lifestyle to create new standards in social drinking. Products are available nationwide at Follow Adaptaphoria on Social Media: Adaptaphoria Instagram Adaptaphoria Facebook Adaptaphoria TikTok Media Inquiries:press@ CONTACT: Reputation Pros Scott Keever contact@
India.com
05-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Dragon Fruit: 7 Health Facts You Can't Miss
Muskan Kalra Jun 05, 2025 It contains healthy fats from seeds and can help lower bad cholesterol. It contains betalains and flavonoids that help fight free radicals. It supports digestion and promotes gut health. Dragon Fruit is Packed with vitamins C, B, and minerals like iron and magnesium. Some studies suggest it supports blood sugar balance. Vitamin C content helps strengthen your immune system. It has a high water content, perfect for hydration. This web story is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Read Next Story
