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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
THE RARE FRUIT TREE AND VEGETABLES:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Hoja santa, Piper auritum, is an aromatic herb with a heart-shaped, velvety leaf which grows in tropic Mesoamerica. The name hoja santa means "sacred leaf" in Spanish.[2] It is also known as yerba santa,[3][4] hierba santa,[3] Mexican pepperleaf,[4] acuyo,[4] tlanepa,[4]anisillo,[4] root beer plant,[2] and sacred pepper.[1]
Description
The leaves can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 in) or more in size. The complex flavor of hoja santa is not so easily described; it has been compared to eucalyptus,[5][6] licorice,[2][7] sassafras,[3][8] anise,[4][9] nutmeg,[4] mint,[10][11] tarragon,[5] and black pepper.[4] The flavor is stronger in the young stems and veins.
It is native to the Americas, from northern South America to Mexico, and is also cultivated in southeast Florida.
Usage
It is often used in Mexican cuisine for tamales, the fish or meat wrapped in fragrant leaves for cooking, and as an essential ingredient in mole verde, the green sauce originated in the Oaxaca region of Mexico.[3] It is also chopped to flavor soups, such as pozole, and eggs.[12] In Central Mexico, it is used to flavor chocolate drinks.[4] In southeastern Mexico, a green liquor called Verdín is made from hoja santa.[13] It is also used for tea. American cheesemaker Paula Lambert created "Hoja santa cheese", goat cheese wrapped with the hoja santa leaves and impregnated with its flavor.[8][10] While typically used fresh, it is also used in dried form, although drying removes much of the flavor and makes the leaf too brittle to be used as a wrapper.[14]
The essential oils within the leaf are rich in safrole, a substance also found in sassafras, which has been shown to be carcinogenic in animals. In 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned sassafras bark along with sassafras oil and safrole as flavoring agents because of their carcinogenic properties[12] and the Council of Europe imposed the same ban in 1974,[15] although toxicological studies show that humans do not process safrole into its carcinogenic metabolite.[16]
Notes
1. ^ a b Barlow, Prof. Snow (2003). "Sorting Piper names". University of Melbourne. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
2. ^ a b c Rolland, Jacques L. (2006). The Food Encyclopedia: Over 8,000 Ingredients, Tools, Techniques and People. Robert Rose. p. 326. ISBN 0-7788-0150-0.
3. ^ a b c d Miller, Mark Charles (1993). Coyote's Pantry: Southwest Seasonings and at Home Flavoring Techniques. Ten Speed Press. p. 70. ISBN 0-89815-494-4.
4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Katzer, Gernot (2012). "Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages - Mexican Pepperleaf (Piper auritum Kunth)". Retrieved 2012-12-03.
5. ^ a b "Ingredient - Hoja Santa". The Washington Post. 2004-08-18. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
6. ^ Pyles, Stephan (1999). New Tastes from Texas. Three Rivers Press. p. 214. ISBN 0-609-80497-9.
7. ^ Raichlen, Steven (2000). Steven Raichlen's Healthy Latin Cooking: 200 Sizzling Recipes from Mexico, Cuba, Caribbean, Brazil, and Beyond. Rodale Books. p. 26. ISBN 0-87596-498-2.
8. ^ a b Lambert, Paula (2000). The Cheese Lover's Cookbook and Guide: Over 150 Recipes with Instructions on How to Buy, Store, and Serve All Your Favorite Cheeses. Simon & Schuster. p. 43. ISBN 0-684-86318-9.
9. ^ Davidson, Alan (1999). The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press. p. 383. ISBN 0-19-211579-0.
10. ^ a b Hale, Adrian J.S. (2006-09-28). "Craft, not Kraft, is the key to these homeland treats". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
11. ^ Nordin, Donna (2001). Contemporary Southwest: The Cafe Terra Cotta Cookbook. Ten Speed Press. p. 19. ISBN 1-58008-180-0.
12. ^ a b Creasy, Rosalind (2000). The Edible Mexican Garden. Tuttle Publishing. p. 35. ISBN 962-593-297-6.
13. ^ Conner, Lori (2006). "El Restaurante Mexicano (May/June 2006): Beyond margaritas". Maiden Name Press LLC. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
14. ^ Bladholm, Linda (2001). Latin & Caribbean Grocery Stores Demystified. Renaissance Books. p. 106. ISBN 1-58063-212-2.
15. ^ Contis, E.T. (Ed.) (1998). Food Flavors: Formation, Analysis and Packaging Influences (Developments in Food Science). Elsevier. p. 403. ISBN 0-444-82590-8.
16. ^ Benedetti MS, Malnoe A, Broillet AL (Feb 1977). "Absorption, metabolism and excretion of safrole in the rat and man". Toxicology 7 (1): 69–83. doi:10.1016/0300-483X(77)90039-7. PMID 14422.. "The main urinary metabolite in both species was 1,2-dihydroxy-4-allylbenzene which was excreted in a conjugated form. Small amounts of eugenol or its isomer 1-methoxy-2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene were also detected in rat and man. 1'-Hydroxysafrole, a proximate carcinogen of safrole, and 3'-hydroxyisosafrole were detected as conjugates in the urine of the rat. However, in these investigations we were unable to demonstrate the presence of the latter metabolites in man." (source - retrieved from on 3/25/2013)
17.
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, also known as the thorny locust, is a deciduous tree native to central North America. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys ranging from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as eastern Massachusetts.
Description
Honey locusts, Gleditsia triacanthos, can reach a height of 20–30 m (66–100 ft), with fast growth, and are relatively short-lived; their life spans are typically about 120 years, though some live up to 150 years. They are prone to losing large branches in windstorms. The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on vigorous young trees. The leaflets are 1.5–2.5 cm (smaller on bipinnate leaves) and bright green. They turn yellow in the fall (autumn). Leafs out relatively late in spring, but generally slightly earlier than the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.
The fruit of the Honey locust is a flat legume (pod) that matures in early autumn. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm. The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible, unlike the Black locust, which is toxic. The seeds are dispersed by grazing herbivores such as cattle and horses, which eat the pod pulp and excrete the seeds in droppings; the animal's digestive system assists in breaking down the hard seed coat, making germination easier.
Honey locusts commonly have thorns 3–10 cm long growing out of the branches, some reaching lengths over 20 cm; these may be single, or branched into several points, and commonly form dense clusters. The thorns are fairly soft and green when young, harden and turn red as they age, then fade to ash grey and turn brittle when mature. These thorns are thought to have evolved to protect the trees from browsing Pleistocene megafauna which may also have been involved in seed dispersal.[1] Thornless forms (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) are occasionally found growing wild and are available as nursery plants.
Cultivation
Its cultivars are popular ornamental plants, especially in the northern plains of North America where few other trees can survive and prosper. It tolerates urban conditions, compacted soil, road salt, alkaline soil, heat and drought. The popularity is in part due to the fact that it transplants so easily. The fast growth rate and tolerance of poor site conditions make it valued in areas where shade is wanted quickly, such as new parks or housing developments, and in disturbed and reclaimed environments, such as mine tailings. It is resistant to Gypsy moths but is defoliated by another pest, the mimosa webworm. Spider mites, cankers, and galls are a problem with some trees. Many cultivated varieties do not have thorns.
The cultivar 'Sunburst' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
Food
Unripe honey locust pods
Despite its name, the honey locust is not a significant honey plant. The name derives from the sweet taste of the legume pulp, which was used for food by Native American people, and can also be fermented to make beer. The long pods, which eventually dry and ripen to brown or maroon, are surrounded in a tough, leathery skin that adheres very strongly to the pulp within. The pulp—bright green in unripe pods—is strongly sweet, crisp and succulent in unripe pods. Dark brown tannin-rich beans are found in slots within the pulp.
Timber
Honey locusts produce a high quality, durable wood that polishes well, but the tree does not grow in sufficient numbers to support a bulk industry; however, a niche market exists for honey locust furniture. It is also used for posts and rails since it takes a long time to rot. In the past, the hard thorns of the younger trees have been used as nails.
Agriculture
The honey locust is popular with permaculturalists across the globe, for its multiple uses. The legumes make a valuable, high protein cattle fodder, which becomes more readily accessible with the thornless (inermis) variety. The broad shade of the tree canopy is of great value for livestock in hotter climates, such as Australia. It is also claimed to be a nitrogen fixer, by way of rhizobium, which benefits the surrounding soil and plants. The durability and quality of the timber, as well as the ability to produce its own nails, fits the paradigm of self-sustaining agriculture that requires fewer external inputs/resources.
Ranchers and farmers, though, do deem this species as invasive because it quickly can move into pastures and grazing lands out-competing grasses for living space.
Nitrogen fixing
The ability of Gleditsia to fix nitrogen is disputed. Many scientific sources[3][4][5] clearly state that Gleditsia does not fix nitrogen. Some support this statement with the fact that Gleditsia does not form root nodules with symbiotic bacteria, the assumption being that without nodulation, no N-fixation can occur. In contrast, many popular sources, permaculture publications in particular, claim that Gleditsia does fix nitrogen but by some other mechanism.
There are anatomical, ecological and taxonomic indications[6] to counter the assumption that only nodulating legumes fix nitrogen. Many non-nodulating species are as capable as nodulating species of growing well in nitrogen-limited soils and in some cases grow better. Also their leaf litter and seeds are higher in nitrogen than non-legumes[7] [McKey, 1994; Waterman 1994] and sometimes higher even than nodulating legumes growing on the same site. How this happens is not yet well understood, but current research has recorded by-products of nitrogenase activity in non-nodulating leguminous plants[8] including Gleditsia triacanthos. Also, electron microscopy indicates the presence of clusters around the inner cortex of roots, just outside the xylem, that resemble colonies of rhizobial bacterioids. These may well constitute the evolutionary precursors in legumes for nitrogen fixation through nodulation.
It is not known whether the kind of N-fixation implied by these discoveries benefits other plants in the vicinity, as is known to be the case with nodulating legumes. Gleditsia coppices readily, and it seems reasonable to assume that reduction in root mass in response to coppicing should liberate nutrients in the sloughed off roots into the soil, to the benefit of neighbouring plants.
Pharmacological activities
The tree has been used in traditional Native American medicine. Extracts of Gleditsia possess important pharmacological activities in treating rheumatoid arthritis, as anti-mutagenic, anticancer and have significant cytotoxic activity against different cell lines.[9] Seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos contain a trypsin inhibitor.[10][11]
Footnotes
1. ^ Barlow, Connie (2001). "Anachronistic Fruits and the Ghosts Who Haunt Them". Arnoldia 61 (2).
2. ^
3. ^ Burton, Joseph C.; eds. Zimmerman, James H.. "Nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation by prairie legumes". Proceedings, 2nd Midwest prairie conference.
4. ^ Allen, O.N.; Allen, E.K. (1981). The Leguminosae. The University of Wisconsin Press. 812 p..
5. ^ Djumaeva, D.; D. Djumaeva, J. P. A. Lamers, C. Martius, A. Khamzina, N. Ibragimov and P. L. G. Vlek. "Quantification of symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Elaeagnus angustifolia L. on salt-affected irrigated croplands using two 15N isotopic methods". Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems.
6. ^ "Toward a new concept of the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the Leguminosae". Plant and Soil 186 (1): 151–159. 2011. doi:10.1007/BF00035069.
7. ^ Bryan, James (1995). Leguminous Trees with Edible Beans, with Indications of a Rhizobial Symbiosis in Non-Nodulating Legumes.
8. ^ Series: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences:Current Issues in Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation 72 (Proceedings of the 15th North American Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Conference). August 13–17 1995.
9. ^ Abou Zeid A.H., El Hawary S.S., Mohammed R.S., Ashour W.E."Bioactive constituents from gleditsia triacanthos L. leaves." Planta Medica. Conference: 59th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research Antalya Turkey. Conference Start: 20110904 Conference End: 20110909. Conference Publication: (var.pagings). 77 (12) , 2011.
10. ^ Mosolov V.V., Kolosova G.V., Valueva T.A., Dronova L.A. "Trypsin inhibitor from Gleditsia triacanthos L. seeds. <Ingibitor tripsina iz semian gledichii (Gleditsia triacanthos L.).Biokhimiia (Moscow, Russia). 47 (5) (pp 797-802), 1982
11. ^ Mosolov V.V., Kolosova G.V., Valueva T.A., Dronova L.A."Trypsin inhibitor from Gleditsia triacanthos (L.)." Biokhimiya. 47 (5) (pp 797-802), 1982.
References
* Sternberg, Guy. Native Trees for North American Landscapes pp. 264. Timber Press, 2004.
* Little, Elbert L. The Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Trees - Western Region. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, p. 495. 1980. (source - retrieved from on 3/8/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Cucumis metuliferus, horned melon or kiwano, also called African horned cucumber or melon, jelly melon, hedged gourd, or melano, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family. Often known by its nickname in the southeastern United States, blowfish fruit, it is grown for its fruit, which look like oval melons with horn-like spines. The fruit of this plant is edible, but it is used as often for decoration as for food. When ripe, it has a yellow-orange skin and a lime green, jelly-like flesh with a tart taste, and texture similar to a cucumber. The horned melon is native to Africa, and it is now grown in California, Chile, Australia and New Zealand, as well.
In Zimbabwe, this cucumber is called gaka or gakachika, and it is primarily used as a fruit-snack, salad, and, rarely, for decoration. It is eaten young, mature green, or when ripe - bright yellow/orange (i.e., at any stage of its development). It grows naturally in the fields and also in the bush. However, some people leave some to rot in the fields for the next summer's seeds/plants. Its taste has been compared to a combination of cucumber and zucchini.[1] or a combination of banana, cucumber and lemon.[2] Some eat the peel, as well. The fibrous structure and protein composition of the peel provides for a taste and texture similar to the plantain family. One variety does not have horns, but looks and tastes similar. The seeds are covered in a gel-like substance. The skin is very rich in vitamin C and fiber. A small amount of salt or sugar can increase the flavor. The fruit can be used in cooking, but when eaten raw, most suck out the pulp and spit out the seeds, although eating the skin and/or the seeds is also known.
Horned Melon, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy
183 kJ (44 kcal)
Carbohydrates
7.56 g
Fat
1.26 g
Protein
1.78 g
Water
88.97 g
Vitamin A equiv.
7 ?g (1%)
- beta-carotene
88 ?g (1%)
Thiamine (vit. B1)
0.025 mg (2%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)
0.015 mg (1%)
Niacin (vit. B3)
0.565 mg (4%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)
0.183 mg (4%)
Vitamin B6
0.063 mg (5%)
Folate (vit. B9)
3 ?g (1%)
Vitamin C
5.3 mg (6%)
Calcium
13 mg (1%)
Iron
1.13 mg (9%)
Magnesium
40 mg (11%)
Manganese
0.039 mg (2%)
Phosphorus
37 mg (5%)
Potassium
123 mg (3%)
Sodium
2 mg (0%)
Zinc
0.48 mg (5%)
Link to USDA Database entry
Percentages are relative to
US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
A traditional food plant in Africa, this fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[3][not in citation given] Along with the Gemsbok cucumber, it is the only source of water during the dry season in the Kalahari desert.[4] Despite the fruit's colorful appearance, it has not found any significant uses in Western cusine, and has been called "astringent", and the prices "exorbitant".[5]
In terms of chemical makeup it is similar to others in the family Cucurbitaceae.
Flavor
Similar to very watered-down guanabana, because the tartness is very mild. This mixes well with homemade lemon/limeaid, guanabana pulp, cucumber and adds a fresh green color. Kiwano melon juice is wonderful to cleanse the palate more gently than lemon sorbet. Make ice cubes with the juice to add color contrast in drinks, or mild flavor to ice water.
References
1. ^ "Kiwano: It's what's inside that counts", The Seattle Times.
2. ^ "Let's discover some more little-known fruits", Deseret News.
3. ^ National Research Council (2008-01-25). /openbook.php?record_id=11879&page=89 "Horned Melon". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits. Lost Crops of Africa 3. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10596-5. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
4. ^ (French) Parc de Khal-agadi, pas si désert, in Science & Vie n° 1130, November 2011, pp. 18-21.
5. ^ Elizabeth Schneider. Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini. William Morrow. p. 345. ISBN 0-688-15260-0. [source - retrieved from on 6/21/2013]
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
INFORMATION ON HOW TREES AND PLANTS ABSORB WATER FROM THE GROUND.
Today’s article on plants does not deal with a specific tree and/or vegetable but with the method they all use to absorb water from the ground.
How trees and other plants absorb water from the ground. Plants have developed an effective system to absorb, translocate, store, and utilize water. Plants contain a vast network of conduits, which consists of xylem and phloem tissues. These conducting tissues start in the roots and continue up through the trunks of trees, into the branches and then into every leaf. Phloem tissue is made of living elongated cells that are connected to one another and responsible for translocating nutrients and sugars (carbohydrates), which are produced by leaves for energy and growth. The xylem is also composed of elongated cells but once the cells are formed, they die. The walls of the xylem cells still remain intact and serve as an excellent peipline to transport water from the roots to the leaves.
The main driving force of water uptake and transport into a plant is transpiration of water from leaves through specialized openings called stomata. Heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate, setting this ‘water chain’ in motion. The evaporation creates a negative water vapor pressure. Water is pulled into the leaf to replace the water that has transpired from the leaf. This pulling of water, or tension, occurs in the xylem of the leaf. Since the xylem is a continuous water column that extends from the leaf to the roots, this negative water pressure extends into the roots and results in water uptake from the soil. [adapted from: ]
Clearly this clever water transport system shows a superior intelligence of the Creator (YHWH).
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Hyacinth Bean, Dolichos Lablab, Lablab purpureus, commonly known as the hyacinth bean, Indian bean, calavance, seim (Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago), Egyptian bean, njahi (in the Kikuyu language of Kenya), bulay (Tagalog), bataw (Bisaya), or ??u ván (Vietnamese), a species of bean in the family Fabaceae, is widespread as a food crop throughout the tropics, especially in Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known vegetable in the West has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[2]
Growth
The hyacinth bean grows as a vine, producing purple flowers and striking electric-purple coloured seed pods. Lablab bean is a good choice for a quick screen on a trellis or fence. It grows fast, has beautiful, fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and it even produces edible leaves, flowers, pods, seeds and roots. Dry seeds are poisonous due to high concentrations of cyanogenic glucosides, and can only be eaten after prolonged boiling.[3]
Uses
The hyacinth bean is often grown as forage [4] and as an ornamental plant.[5] In addition, it is cited both as a medicinal plant and a poisonous plant.[6][7]
In Maharashtra, a special spicy curry, known as vaala che birde is often used during fasting festivals during Shravan month.
In Karnataka the hyacinth bean is made into curry (avarekalu saaru), salad (avarekaalu usli), added to upma (avrekaalu uppittu), and as a flavoring to Akki rotti. Sometimes the outer peel of the seed is taken out and the inner soft part is used for a variety of dishes. This form is called hitakubele avarekalu, which means "pressed (hitaku) hyancinth bean."
In Telangana, the bean pods are cut into small pieces and cooked as spicy curry in Pongal festival season, along with bajra bread; it has been a very special delicacy for centuries.
In Hu?, Vietnam, hyacinth beans are the main ingredient of the dish chè ??u ván.
In Kenya, the bean is popular among the Kikuyu group. It is thought to encourage lactation and has historically been the main dish for breastfeeding mothers. Beans are boiled and mashed with ripe and/or semiripe bananas, giving the dish a sweet taste.
The leaves are used as greens, but have to be cooked like spinach and the water has to be discarded.[8]
Names across cultures
* Malayalam language - Amarakka or Amara payar.
* Kannada: ???????? (avarekaalu)
* Gujarati: ??? (Vaal)
* Marathi and Konkani: (vaal)
* Tamil: ???? (avarai) or (mochai)
* Njahi in Kenya
References
1. ^ Lablab purpureus at Multilingual taxonomic information from the University of Melbourne
2. ^ National Research Council (2006-10-27). "Lablab". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables. Lost Crops of Africa. 2. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10333-6. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
3. ^ "Dolichos lablab". Floridata. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
4. ^ Lablab purpureus at FAO
5. ^ Lablab purpureus at Missouri Botanical Garden
6. ^ Lablab purpureus at Plants For A Future
7. ^ Lablab purpureus at North Carolina State University
8. ^ PFAF - Lablab purpureus (source - retrieved from on 3/8/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
To view pictures of one variety of this bean, go to,
Now to know the truth, go to:
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Hylocereus megalanthus is a cactus species native to northern South America, where it is known, along with its fruit, by the name of Pitahaya. The species is grown commercially for its fruit, but is also an impressive ornamental vine with perhaps the largest flowers of all cacti.
Megalanthus (Greek) - large flowered. This species produces among of the largest flowers within the cactus family.
Common Names
* English: Yellow Pitahaya
* Spanish: Pitahaya amarilla
* German: Gelbe Pitahaya
* Swedish: gul pitahaya
Origin and habitat
Venezuela to Peru, including Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, in tropical Riparian forests. It is Epiphytic or xerophytic.
Description
* Stems may lie along the ground (procumbent), climb (scandent), or hang (pendent). Stems are often only 1.5 cm thick, producing areoal roots; 3 ribs; margins slightly undulating; white areoles; 1-3 spines 2-3 mm long, yellowish; several hairs on young growth, britle-like; green epidermis. *Flowers are nocturnal and funnel-shaped, 32-38 cm long; pericarpel is ovoid or slightly globose, tubercles are large and flattened, with felt-like and spiny areoles subtended by small bracteoles; receptacle elongate; outer tepals long, green, triangular-acute; inner tepals 100 cm long, 3.5 cm wide, white, broader; stamens numerous inserted in two zones, yellow; style yellow, stigma lobes numerous, green.
Fruit: ovoid, tuberculate, spiny, yellow (or sometimes red?), seeds black; interior edible, having a pleasant, mildly sweet flavor.
Systematics
Closely related to Hylocereus setaceus (floral tube or pericarpel 19-22 cm with small tubercles) but otherwice quite isolated within Hylocereus. Is intermediate between Selenicereus and Hylocereus. Recent research suggest that this species originated as a hybrid between species of Hylocereus and Selenicereus (see references). The two species possibly involved, as being native in the same area, are Hylocereus costaricensis and Selenicereus inermis.
Cultivation
An easily cultivated, fast growing plant. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 8ºC (46,5ºF) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade, but best in full sunlight. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in June to October. This plant may grow to a very large size.
References
* Anderson, E. F. (2001). The Cactus Family. Timber Press ISBN 0-88192-498-9
* Bauer, R. (2003) A synopsis of the tribe Hylocereeae F. Buxb. Cactaceae Syst. Init. 17: 3-63.
* Tel-Zur N, Abbo S, Bar-Zvi D, Mizrahi Y. (2004 ) Genetic relationships among Hylocereus and Selenicereus vine cacti (Cactaceae): evidence from hybridization and cytological studies. Ann Bot (Lond) 94(4):527-34. (source - retrieved from on 3/25/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
Go to, to see pictures of this cactus and it’s fruit.
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Icecream Bean, or Inga is a genus of small tropical, tough-leaved, nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs, subfamily Mimosoideae. Inga's leaves are pinnate, and flowers are generally white. Many of the hundreds of species are used ornamentally.
Several related plants have been placed into this genus at one time, for example Yopo (Cohoba, Mopo, Nopo or Parica - Anadenanthera peregrina -, as Inga niopo).
The seeds are covered with sweet white powder. The pulp covering the seeds is lightly fibrous and sweet, and rich in minerals; it is edible in the raw state. Popular knowledge indicates that the tree's name originates from the Tupi word in-gá meaning "soaked", due to the fruit powder consistency. The tree usually blossoms twice a year.
Within the Inga genus there are around 300 species, most of them native and growing in the Amazon forest region although some species are also found in Mexico, Greater and Lesser Antilles and other countries in South America, being an exclusively neotropical genus. The trees are usually found by river and lake edges because their seeds are carried there by floods.
Fruit of an Inga-species
All Inga species produce their seeds in "bean-like" pods and some can reach up to 1 m long, in general the pods are 10 – 30 cm long.
Trees can reach up to 15 metres and they are widely used for producing shade over coffee plants. The plant benefits from well drained soil. The flowers are white with some green and the tree can produce fruits almost all year long.
Inga species, most notably Inga edulis (commonly known as "ice-cream-bean" or, in Spanish, "guama" or "guaba" or "paterna") often have edible pulp. The name derives from the fact that those of I. edulis resembles vanilla ice cream in flavour. (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
Here is what Dr. Ranil Senanayake of the International Forestry Analog Network had to say on it.
Ice Cream Bean is a term applied to the fruit of a number of species within the genus Inga (Fam: Leguminosae). The common name arises from the white, sugar rich pulp that surrounds the seeds. The pulp is lightly textured and juicy. This combined with the smooth texture of the pulp is perceived to taste like ice cream. The Ice Cream Bean has been appreciated for its fruit for a long time in its centre of origin, central and south America. The high esteem that the fruit was held in as well as its antiquity of use is illustrated by the fact that the fruit are often depicted in pre-Columbian pottery. It has also been recorded that the Inca Emperor Atahualpa sent Francisco Pizarro a basketful of Guamas (I. feuillei ) as a gift . The best fruit yielding species of this genus are I.feuillei, I edulis and I.diversifolia, although many other species remain unevaluated for their fruit potential.
The fruit is eaten fresh. The ripe fruit splits open when twisted exposing the succulent pulp that is scooped out with the fingers. Each species has an ideal degree of maturity for eating. In some species over- ripe fruit may become coarse. These fruit also have the potential to be converted into a processed product. It can be processed by washing, splitting and removing the pulp . A simple straining process removes the seeds, after which clean, free pulp is obtained.
The widespread use for trees of this genus is in providing shade for plantation crops such as coffee or cocoa. A seedling normally provides sufficient canopy to cover plantation crops within three years. The ability to regenerate from a stump makes it suitable for pollarding and training as a plantation shade tree. In addition some species (I.edulis ) has been used successfully in alley cropping trials in Chile.
Leaves from most Inga species provide good fodder. The genus is extensively used for feeding cattle in Mexico. The growing leaves possess extra floral nectaries that are used by parasitic wasps and other insects useful to agriculture. The leaves are large and decompose slowly, thus providing the beneficial effects of a surface mulch on the soil below its canopy.
The trees of the genus are fast-growing and have been identified to be useful in fuelwood production programmes . The growth of wood is rapid, increment in trunk diameter has been recorded at over 2.5 cm per year. The wood burns well and has been used for charcoal production in many of the countries where it occurs naturally. Inga wood is moderately heavy, with a specific gravity of 0.57. It can be used for light construction, crate wood , furniture making and general carpentry. … (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the ilama (also known as the tree of the ilama, Annona diversifolia) is a tropical fruit tree found in Central America. The name is derived from the Spanish from the Nahuatl ilamatzapotl, of which the rough translation is "old woman's sapote". The name is also applied to a similar fruit, soncoya or cabeza de negro (A. pupurea), which is cultivated as an alternative to the cherimoya. The soncoya is similar in size to the ilama, but grey-brown in color with hard bumps on the surface, and orange flesh that tastes like mango or pawpaw.
The ilama fruit is either eaten on the half-shell or scooped out with a tool, usually chilled when served. It is sometimes served with a little cream and sugar to intensify the flavor, or with a drop of lime or lemon juice to bring in a tart and bitter tinge.
Fruit
The ilama fruit is either cone-shaped, heart-shaped, or ovular. Resembling the cherimoya, it is about six inches (15 cm) long and may weigh as much as two pounds (900 g). Generally, the ilama is dotted with more-or-less pronounced, triangular spikes that jut out of the fruit, though some fruits on the same tree may vary from rough to fairly smooth.
There are two types of ilama, green and pink. The green type has a flesh that is white and sweet, while in the pink type, the flesh is a rose color and has a tart taste.
The rind, or skin, of the ilama varies from a pale-green color to a deep-pink or purplish color coated with a thick mat of velvety, gray-white bloom. It is about 1/4 inch thick (6 mm), leathery, fairly soft, and granular.
The center of both ilamas are somewhat fibrous, but smooth and custardy near the rind. The flesh varies from being dry to being fairly juicy, and contains 25 to 80 hard, smooth, brown, cylindrical seeds, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) long, and 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide. Each seed is enclosed in a close-fitting membrane that, when split, slides right off of the seed.
Tree
The tree that produces the ilama stands erect at about 25 feet (7.5m), and often the branches begin at ground level. The tree is distinguished by its aromatic, pale-brownish-grey, furrowed bark and glossy, thin, elliptic to obovate or oblanceolate leaves, two to six inches (5-15cm) long. Clasping the base of the flowering branchlets are one or two leaf-like, nearly circular, glabrous bracts, about 1 to 1-3/8 inches (2.5 - 3.5cm) in length. New growth from the tree is a reddish or coppery color. The flowers of the ilama tree are long and solitary. They are maroon flowers, which open to the base, and have small, rusty, hairy sepals, narrow, blunt, minutely hairy outer petals, and stamen-like, pollen-bearing inner petals.
Cultivation
Fruit harvest of the ilama tree occurs in late June in Mexico, and only lasts about two weeks. In Guatemala, the harvest season extends from late July to September, and from July to December where the ilama is cultivated in Florida.
According to tradition, the fruits are not to be picked until cracking occurs, but they can be picked a little earlier and held up to three days for softening to take place. If the ilama is picked too early, it will never ripen. The yield of the ilama is typically low. During the normal fruiting period, some trees will have no fruits; others only three to 10, while exceptional trees may bear as many as 85 to 100 fruits per season. (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
Chemistry
Seeds of Inga edulis, eaten as vegetables, are reported to contain per 100 g, 118 calories, 63.3% moisture, 10.7 g protein, 0.7 g fat, 24.0 g total carbohydrate, 1.6 g fiber, 1.3 g ash. Pulp of Inga spp. contains per 100 g, 60 calories, 83.0% moisture, 1.0 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 15.5 g total carbohydrate, 1.2 g fiber, 0.4 g ash. Dried seeds of Inga spp. contain per 100 g, 339 calories, 12.6% moisture, 18.9 g protein, 2.1 g fat, 62.9 g total carbohydrate, 3.4 g fiber, 3.5 g ash. Seeds of the genus Inga are reported to contain trypsin inhibitors and chymotrypsin inhibitors. (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES OF THE WORLD:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Imbe or Garcinia livingstoneiGarcinia livingstonei (African Mangosteen, Lowveld Mangosteen or Imbe) is a species of Garcinia, native to a broad area of tropical Africa, from Côte d'Ivoire east to Somalia, and south to South Africa.[1]
It is an evergreen small tree, growing to 6–18 m tall. The leaves are borne in opposite pairs or whorls of 3–4, each leaf blue-green, oval, 6–11 cm long and 3–5.5 cm broad. The flowers are produced in clusters on the stems. The fruit is a small, bright, orange, thin-skinned berry 1–4 cm diameter, with one single large seed; the small yield of edible fruit is pleasantly sweet, yet acidic, but also containing a latex that some people find unpleasant.[2][3]
Cultivation and uses
A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[4]
It is mainly grown as an ornamental fruit, but is sometimes eaten. The juice is known for staining very badly. Mostly eaten fresh, it is also used in drinks. It can be grown in southern Florida.
Both a male and female plant are needed in order to obtain fruit, although both sexes can be grafted onto the same plant to achieve the same effect.
References
1. ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Garcinia livingstonei
2. ^ PlantsZAfrica: Garcinia livingstonei
3. ^ University of Pretoria: Garcinia livingstonei
4. ^ National Research Council (2008-01-25). "Baobab". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits. Lost Crops of Africa. 3. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10596-5. Retrieved 2008-07-17. (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
Tradewindsfruit.com says,
“1-2" around fruit with red-orange skin and a watery pulp having an apricot-like flavor.
Description: Slow growing tree, usually only to 10-20ft. Fruits ripen during August in its native range.
Hardiness: Imbe's are cold hardy to 26F.
Growing Environment: Trees tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions and are salt tolerant so they can be grown near the ocean. Trees can be grown in both full sun and part shade. Enjoys year-round water.
Propagation: By seed and grafting. The imbe can be used as a rootstock for the mangosteen.
Uses: Eaten fresh, and are also made into preserves, pies, and assorted desserts.” (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
A picture of this fruit can be seen at
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Re: Almighty God’s (YHWH) Great Gift to Mankind, The Rare Fruit Trees
Hi Everyone:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Actinidia chinensis
Actinidia chinensis or Golden Kiwi is a climbing shrub from China.
Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa were considered to be a single species but about 15 years ago it was decided to classify them as distinct species due to clear botanical differences.
The plant is similar but the fruit is less hairy with shorter and softer hair that easily rubs off. The pulp is bright green, lemon green or bright yellow. It is oval and about the same size as that of Actinidia deliciosa but ends in a point. Taste is sweeter and more aromatic.
Golden Kiwi is commercialized under the brand name Zespri Gold.
The name kiwi is given by New-Zealanders. They were the first to grow kiwi commercially.
Common names:
Chinese Actinidia
Chinese Gooseberry
Golden Kiwi
Kiwi
Kiwi Fruit
Yang Tao
Yellow-Fleshed Actinidia
Synonyms:
There are no synonyms but 2 wrongly used names:
* Actinidia sinensis: is not a synonym but a misspelling
* Actinidia deliciosa: used to be considered as the same species as Actinidia chinensis but is not classified as a species in his own right. Since this happened quite recently (15 years) both species still are confused by many.
Origin:
China where it grows in mountain forests and secondary forests between 0 and 2.600 m altitude
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 7, -15 °C
But prefers warmer, preferably Mediterranean climates. There is a risk that young buds and flowering sustains frost damage from USDA zone 8 and colder zones.
Soil:
Fertile and moist
Height:
3 to 5 m
Exposure:
Sun
Care:
* the plant is a climber but cannot attach itself to its support, it needs leading and you will have to fasten new branches to the climbing device
* harvesting will be easier if you provide horizontal support
* can also be grown over a pergola but harvesting will be a bit complicated
* the best place is against a south facing wall
* likes moist soil, be sure to water regularly during summer
* plant in the garden when all danger of frost has ceased (May)
* before planting put a good layer of compost in the plant hole
* then give regular cow manure or fertilizer during the growing season
* prune in February to give shape
* prune the branches in July, the branches which bear little or no fruit so that the remaining fruit gets all the nutrition
Propagation:
Seed, cutting or layering
Sowing instructions:
Very easy but do it only for fun: it takes from 3 to 8 years for the plant to start flowering and producing fruit.
If you prefer to harvest fruit rapidly, buy a plant at a nursery. Male plants are usually grafted on a female plant for pollination since Actinidia chinensis is dioecious.
* Actinidia chinensis seed needs a cold period to germinate in the spring. This can be done artificially by putting the seeds for a couple of weeks in the fridge. But fruit bought in the store has undergone cooling during transport, so it's not essential to stratify the seeds before sowing.
* if you harvest seeds from fresh fruit, make sure you get all the pulp from the seeds before sowing: pulp prohibits germination. You can do this buy rubbing the seeds in a very fine sieve or rub them between two sheets of kitchen paper. Rinse in a glass of water: the remaining pulp will float and the seeds sink, you will be able to drain it.
* sow in a light mix
* moisten
* 20-25 °C
* germination time:3 weeks to 2 months
* repot: when seedlings are big enough to handle
[source - retrieved from on 10/12/2014]
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
See pictures at
To know more about the Bible and religion, go to:
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
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