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Time Business News
4 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Where Do Almonds Come From? Guide
Almonds are more than just a healthy snack. They're one of the most popular tree nuts in the world, prized for their flavor, versatility, and health benefits. But have you ever stopped to wonder where do almonds come from? Knowing the origin of almonds helps us appreciate the incredible journey this tiny nut has made—from ancient groves in the Middle East to supermarket shelves around the globe. Botanically speaking, almonds aren't actually nuts—they're seeds. They come from the fruit of the almond tree ( Prunus dulcis ), which is closely related to peaches and cherries. If you've ever cracked open a peach pit, you've seen something that looks a lot like an almond inside. Unlike peanuts (which are legumes) or walnuts (which are true nuts), almonds are classified as 'drupes'—fruits with a hard shell and a seed inside. It's this seed that we eat. Almonds have a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first domesticated in the Middle East, particularly in areas that are now modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Almonds appear in the Bible and are one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees. They were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, proving their value and status in ancient Egypt. Almond trees are deciduous and require a cold winter to properly bloom. They typically flower in early spring, and the nuts are harvested in late summer. These trees thrive in Mediterranean climates—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Well-drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal for optimal growth. The earliest wild almonds likely grew in the Fertile Crescent, an area known for the birth of agriculture. Over time, farmers selectively bred almonds to remove toxic bitterness from wild varieties. This region played a key role in the spread of almonds, especially along trade routes like the Silk Road and later, via Roman and Greek expansion. Thanks to ancient civilizations and traders, almonds made their way to Greece, Italy, and Spain, where they became deeply ingrained in culinary traditions. Spanish missionaries brought almonds to the New World in the 1700s. While initially unsuccessful in some parts, they found a perfect home in California's Central Valley. The global almond industry is now dominated by: United States (especially California) Spain Iran Australia California produces over 80% of the world's almonds. Its ideal climate, advanced agricultural technology, and vast farmland make it the top choice for large-scale almond farming. Almond harvesting usually takes place from August to October. Farmers use mechanical shakers to shake the trees, causing the nuts to fall to the ground where they dry before being collected. Once harvested, almonds are hulled, shelled, sorted, and sometimes roasted or blanched, depending on their end use. Growing almonds is water-intensive. A single almond takes about 1.1 gallons of water to produce. This has sparked debate, especially in drought-prone California. Environmentalists argue that large-scale almond farming strains ecosystems, but many farmers are adopting water-saving technologies and sustainable practices to counter these issues. Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. They're rich in: Protein Healthy fats Vitamin E Magnesium Fiber They help lower cholesterol, support heart health, aid in weight loss, and even benefit brain function. Sweet almonds are edible and widely cultivated. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and are toxic if eaten raw. Almonds can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, slivered, or turned into products like almond milk, butter, or flour. From Indian sweets like badam halwa to Italian biscotti and French macarons, almonds are a global culinary star. Almond oil is used in skincare, while almond shells are even used for eco-friendly fuel and mulch. Almonds are technically seeds. They are related to peaches and plums. Bees are essential for pollinating almond trees. California almond blooms are the first major crop bloom of spring. Almond trees can live for 20–25 years. Almonds face challenges from climate instability, bee population decline, and shifting consumer demand. Farmers must adapt to survive. Drip irrigation, AI monitoring, and regenerative practices are shaping the future of sustainable almond farming. Eco-conscious consumers are pushing for lower water usage, better pollination practices, and organic farming standards. Almonds have traveled a long and fascinating journey—from ancient groves in the Middle East to high-tech farms in California. Whether you enjoy them in your breakfast smoothie or as a crunchy snack, almonds are a testament to nature's resilience and human innovation. No, almonds originated in the Middle East, but California is now the world's largest producer. Wild almonds are often bitter and toxic, while cultivated almonds are sweet and safe to eat. No, they need a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It takes about 3 to 4 years for an almond tree to start producing nuts. Not raw. Bitter almonds contain cyanide and must be processed to be safe for consumption. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
‘Cloud-like' cherry blossom tree that creates an ‘elegant, soft-pink' bloom is on sale for £35
Enjoy a 'cloud-like' display next spring with this large, 'elegant, soft-pink' cherry blossom tree that won't break the bank with its budget-friendly price tag of £35 Cherry blossom trees are a covetable accessory for any garden, border, or patio. Thanks to their graceful bouquet of pastel pinks and whites, which arrives suddenly during the spring, they drop stunning petals like snowflakes and are an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space. But if you'd been worrying that these trees are a costly investment to your garden, fret not, as this refined specimen is currently up for grabs for £34.99 at Gardening Express. The Prunus 'Pandora', or cherry blossom, is a graceful and refined tree that looks beautiful in smaller gardens or on elegant avenues. Blooming in early spring, this gorgeous tree bursts into soft blush-pink single flowers that fade to near-white as they mature, creating a delicate, cloud-like canopy. The flowers emerge just before the fresh green foliage, which later takes on warm golden and orange tones in autumn, adding a seasonal charm through most of the year. Boasting an upright, vase-shaped habit, the Pandora cherry tree is ideal for narrow spaces or formal planting, whether you keep it in a planter or add it straight to the garden. This head-turning tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and bathes in full sun. That said, this tree is both hardy and low-maintenance, making it an easy plant to add to any space without the need for difficult care. You can prune it lightly in summer to maintain its neat form or let it grow freely into a wilder, unique shape. Adding character and a vibrant display to your yard, patio or borders, this cherry blossom tree is set to keep a stunning array of shades from spring to autumn, ensuring your garden is full of colour through most of the year. And what's more, this tree comes with the affordable price tag of £34.99, making it a wallet-friendly and beautiful choice. If you're on the hunt for alternative cherry blossom trees, check out this Prunus 'Amanogawa' Cherry Blossom Tree, which retails for £24.99 at You Garden. Over on Amazon, this Cheal's Weeping Pink Flowering Cherry Tree is available for £59.99, while B&Q offers this Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Tree for £44.99.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Garden: Black knot disease prevalent on cherry and plum trees
A common fungal disease of cherry and plum trees is widespread in Greater Columbus, likely worsened by the abnormally wet conditions experienced locally both this spring and last spring. Black knot, caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa, has been identified in several cherry trees in Columbus. While the fungus primarily attacks cherry and plum trees, it can also infect apricots, peaches and any tree or shrub in the Prunus species, including ornamental cherry species. It has been detected primarily on both sweet cherry and ornamental cherry trees locally this year. The black knot fungus attacks twigs and branches with infections starting on the youngest growth on the tree. Infected trees will have brown gall-like structures called knots enveloping twigs and branches. In late spring, these rapidly growing knots have a soft, pulpy texture and become covered with a velvety olive-green growth of the fungus. In summer, the young knots turn darker and elongate along twigs and branches. Garden: Here's what to know about plant life cycles As the fungus grows, it releases chemicals that make the tree grow extra plant cells that are unusually large. This unusual growth results in the swollen knots. By fall, the knots become hard, brittle, rough and black. During the following growing season, the knots enlarge and gradually encircle the twig or branch. The gall can completely encircle and girdle (or strangle) a branch. When this happens, the leaves beyond the gall wilt and die. Several of the samples which we have received in the spring appear to contain knots which developed on the tree last year. Abnormally wet weather the past two springs would have favored the spread and growth of this disease. The fungus which causes black knot overwinters in knots on twigs and branches and in the infected wood immediately surrounding the knots. In the spring, the fungus produces spores which are ejected into the air during rainy periods and are blown great distances by the wind. Only succulent green twigs of the current season's growth are susceptible to infection. Spores which land on the current season's growth will germinate and cause infection if the twigs remain wet for a long period of time. Normal growth is disrupted in the infected regions, and a knot is formed as the fungus causes the plant to produce tumor-like growths. Knots may become visible by late summer of the year of infection but often are not detected until the following spring, when they begin to enlarge rapidly. Cherry and plum trees should be inspected each year for the presence of black knot, and infected twigs should pruned out before the tree flowers in order to reduce the potential reservoir of fungal spores. If you first detect knots later in the season, infected twigs and branches can be pruned out at any time during the season. Diseased trimmings should be disposed of in household trash and not added to compost piles. It is important to prune at least 2 to 4 inches above and below each knot, as the fungus grows beyond the edge of the knot. Applications of fungicide can reduce the spread of the fungus but should not be a substitute for pruning infected branches. Application of fungicides should begin in spring at bud break and continue into early July. Frequent rainfall events will require reapplication of fungicides. Garden: Are you wanting to be a master gardener? For many years, the fungicide captan has been used to effectively control the spread of black knot. Production of captan has ceased permanently recently, but existing stocks of this fungicide can be used according to label directions. Supplies of captan have been depleted at most area garden centers. Alternatively, any fungicide containing chlorothalonil will be effective in controlling the spread of black knot. Always follow all label instructions when using any pesticide. Fungicides are most effective in reducing the spread of the fungus when they are applied early in the spring, so if you detect the presence of knots at this time of the growing season, the best approach right now may be to prune out and dispose of infected branches and begin application of a fungicide early next spring. The application of a fungicide at this time will have little effect on existing knots. Mike Hogan is Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources and associate professor with Ohio State University Extension. hogan.1@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Black knot disease on trees
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.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Cyclamen and shrubs bring winter colour to gardens
Whanganui's Bason Botanic Gardens show off spectacular autumn colour. The temperatures are edging slightly cooler as we move through the autumn season and we are seeing some spectacular autumn colour at the moment. The flowering cherries (Prunus) are putting on a show of orange, red and yellow leaves. Also on show at the moment are the rich gold
