IMPROPER VARIETIES OF CULINARY HERBS FOUND WITHIN THE WORLD SPICE MARKET

In the recent course of events, I came across to an advertisement online, showcasing a new crop laurel leaves, accompanied by a captivating photograph. Swiftly discerning, however, that the offered product was not the true laurel leaves renowned for their culinary employment.  To be precise, the accurate nomenclature is "Laurus Nobilis L." in the realm of Latin botanical classification, and it is rigorously harvested within the Mediterranean costal areas. This botanical treasure is mostly encountered in Turkey and we are the principal purveyor to the world market.

Journeying back in time, I reminisce about an occasion when I was strolling amidst the alleys of the AL RAS trade market in Dubai. This sparkling area is now hosting to a big assemblage of global merchants, each displaying their merchandise upon shelves, close to a veritable but much more vibrant international exposition and trade centre.

As expected, the majority of these traders are from the Indian subcontinent, having an important knowledge in the art of commerce.

But when it comes to the products beyond their trading knowledge there may be a problem. I saw rather bothered the very very low grades of Turkish dried fruits on the shelves.

And l came across, within a commodious sack resided verdant leaves labelled as laurel (Bay) leaves, though distinctly different in essence from the genuine laurel plant that we supply. Engaging a discourse with the vendor, I endeavoured to elucidate the mistake but I have been defeated by  the lack of knowledge before me. My endeavours proved futile against his strong conviction in the authenticity of what he was offering.

In a separate juncture, an inquiry for thyme arised from a country from an Eastern Europe. Turkey handle an array of wild thyme variations, particularly flourishing in close proximity to its seashores. Having an accumulated legacy of 43 years in the industry, our quality department staff and our workers know them very precisely and can distinguish them easily all. Our prospective buyer requested a sample for Thymus Vulgaris -which is very common in Turkey-. The exportation reaches over 1500 tons every year.

To our surprise, our sample was rejected because of DNA discrepancy and  tests results done by TLC /HPLC.

Another experience that we had in the past was in cistus leaves. Cistus are extensively used as herbal tea in the world. There are also some minor pharmaceutical usage . The laboratory who tested our lot found %20 marjoram leaves mixed in it. We couldn’t convince our buyer informing that there is no any marjoram farming in Turkey. Moreover the price of marjoram is at least two times more expensive if not three. Luckily we succeeded to sell the lot to another buyer nearby and get rid of the trouble.

Some importers may not have broad knowledge on botanical varieties of the plants they are handling. At this point the expertise of the supplier, the producer and the exporters become crucial.

Avram Aji

30.08.2023

HUMAN RIGHTS

 From the moment of our birth, we're taught the principle of human equality. We're told that both women and men hold equal status and possess the right to live with dignity. We're also reminded of the rights of animals and the importance of conserving nature.

Ironically, the reality of our lives often contradicts these principles. The survival of larger fish hinges on the existence of smaller ones, as illustrated in Lafontaine's well-known fable, which imparts the message that "might is right."

Presently, the sustenance of the global population, numbering eight billion, relies on a staggering 34 billion livestock. This sustenance necessitates the use of billions of tons of chemical compounds like fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides, and involves excessive irrigation that disrupts the natural water cycle.

It's a fact that humans are inherently unequal, and the preservation of animals and plants is equally vital. Even before humanity's emergence on Earth, there was a constant struggle amongst various animal species. Human beings aren't solely responsible for the extinction of creatures such as mammoths, bisons, dinosaurs, and countless other species.

Disparities among students are glaringly evident in university entrance exams. I personally knew a considerate classmate who excelled in these exams through rote memorization of textbooks.

In my secondary school, only 50% of students graduated, and in high school, the percentage dropped to 30%, leading to the expulsion of many students.

In summary, the reality remains that human equality is an ideal rarely achieved. Despite the eloquent phrasing of documents like the "Human Rights Declaration," which extol principles of honor, equality, and inalienable rights, and despite attempts to curb the power of monarchs through documents like the "Magna Carta Libertatum" and events like the French Revolution, the outcomes have often fallen short.

AVRAM AJI

26.08.2023

EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL LEARNING

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has stated in one of his recent speeches that it is obvious that evolution will continue for all species that continue to reproduce. There will be more mutations, and the fittest will continue to survive.

However, we know that the world's chicken population is 33 billion, while the populations of pork and cattle are close to 1 billion each. These figures show us that these animals, in total, are four times more populous than humankind is. Despite this, none of them is on an evolutionary track. We only select the more productive breeds.

The saying "big fish eats the small fish" implies that the goal of the small fish should be to become a big fish as soon as possible and before becoming prey.

There is a slight conflict between Dawkins' argument on reproductive activity and the feeding habits that we have.

Some monotheistic religions encourage, and even sanctify, having as many children as possible. We may believe to this as a support to the divine evolution process.

Currently, the top 10% of the world's population holds 85% of the world's total wealth.

What's worse is that this imbalance continues to deteriorate in contrast to the poorer counterparts, with the top 10% becoming even wealthier.

How can we secure a place within the top 10%? Are these top 10% of people more evolved than the remaining 90%? We know that the size of our brain is very similar among all individuals.

At this stage, I would like to introduce you to evolutionary biologist Kevin Laland, who emphasizes the importance of social learning abilities in living creatures. If we are not innately very talented, our struggle will rely solely on social learning.

AVRAM AJI

25.08.2023