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Japan Today
21 hours ago
- General
- Japan Today
Tomato tarts from Japanese dessert shop will make you rethink what a tomato is
By Master Blaster, SoraNews24 For ages, the debate has raged on whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. In the U.S., the Supreme Court ruled in Nix v. Hedden that a tomato is a vegetable because it is eaten as a part of meals. Meanwhile, the EU's Court of Justice deemed tomatoes to be fruits because they can be made into jams. And yet, I have to imagine that all the courts in the world would agree that whether fruit or vegetable, putting tomato in a dessert sounds kind of gross. That didn't stop dessert store chain Qu'il Fait Bon from trying it though, as our writer Maro recently discovered. She visited a Qu'il Fait Bon for the first time in a while because she knew they changed their lineup to use seasonal fruits in their tarts. She immediately saw that the large menu posted out front looked a little different, but nothing prepared her for just how drastic a change they'd made. One of their new items that came out this month was the OSMIC Fruit Tomato 10 Tart for 799 yen a slice. OSMIC is a brand of tomatoes known for their exceptionally high sweetness. Current OSMIC tomatoes can go as high as 13 degrees Brix (Brix being the measurement for sugar content) which is in the neighborhood of a peach or strawberry, whereas an average tomato is around 7 degrees Brix. In the case of this tart, the tomatoes used have a brix of 10, making them fairly sweeter than those normally sold in supermarkets, but even with that Maro wondered if they would work in a dessert. Not wanting to pass up the chance to try it, she bought a slice to take home, but just before she did she spotted another oddity, Edamame Tart. Boiled soybeans don't have the same fruit-vegetable mystique about them unless you count crude limericks about flatulence, so this tart was possibly even more surprising and she bought a slice of it too, also for 799 yen. After getting home, Maro unboxed her tarts and took a piece of the tomato one first. From the moment it touched her tongue, she could tell this was an exquisite tomato and remarkably sweet. It had the sweetness of a dried tomato but with the juiciness of a fresh one. The cream inside was rich like cream cheese and had a sourness that worked well with the incredible sweetness of the tomato. It tasted unlike any tart she had before and it had a very sophisticated feel to it. There was even tomato mixed into the crust, giving it a bold red color. Next, it was time to try the Edamame Tart. In addition to having edamame on top, there was edamame mousse and edamame custard filling inside, ensuring a deep soybean flavor. After taking a bite Maro realized that this wasn't nearly as strange as she expected, in fact, it was just like zunda, a sweet edamame paste that's popular in the northeast part of Japan. They were pretty ambitious dessert ingredients but Qu'il Fait Bon pulled them off perfectly. Also, even though this shop has locations all over Japan, the tomato tart is only available at the Grand Maison Ginza, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, Tokyo Dome City, Shizuoka, and Hamamatsu stores. The Edamame Tart is even rarer and can only be bought in the Shizuoka store. Qu'il Fait Bon has many other delicious offerings though, and it's entirely possible they might have something different but equally daring in other locations too, so check it out if you can. Related: Qu'il Fait Bon Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- What's white and sweet and smells like your first love? This tart made from white strawberries! -- Awesome tempura soba noodle breakfast makes this Tokyo hotel near Akihabara a budget travel hero -- Japan's Mister Donut teams up with Disney for first time for Mickey and Minnie Sweets External Link © SoraNews24
Japan Today
6 days ago
- Science
- Japan Today
World's first 'transparent paper cup' developed in Japan
By Master Blaster, SoraNews24 If you're like me, you probably always worry about foreign matter entering your drink, whether it's a Junebug or a dose of strychnine from one of the many, many people out to get you. That's why I dislike paper cups that make it more difficult to see what's inside at all times. Many in the beverage business agree, just not for the same paranoid reasons. For them, a clear cup highlights the attractive colors of their drinks and acts as a subtle form of advertising to all within eyeshot. Unfortunately, when it comes to transparency, the main options are expensive and fragile glass or plastic which has been rapidly choking our oceans. But now, a research team with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) thinks they have a solution to everyone's cup problems. This team has developed a thick paper that is also transparent. It's sturdy enough and resistant enough to moisture that it can be used as a cup, but it also biodegrades like paper, and when submerged in the sea for four months it almost completely breaks down. Image: JAMSTEC That's because it's made of cellophane, the well-known material that looks a lot like plastic but is actually closer to paper because it's made of the same material, cellulose. Cellophane has been around for a long time, but until now it could only be produced in very thin sheets, incapable of forming a sturdy enough cup. JAMSTEC was able to produce cellophane in thickness of 0.3 to 0.7, up to 14 times thicker than previously thought possible. ▼ This news report shows that it was easier said than done and took 640 attempts over five years. With the potential that it could be used in other ways as a plastic substitute, readers of the news online were full of hope and pride in the researchers of their country. 'It's people like this, who think of things the rest of us don't, that are saving the world.' 'This is what we get when institutions get the funding to do proper research.' 'I can't get over learning cellophane tape is actually paper.' 'I have so much respect for people who can invent things like this and it makes me proud to be Japanese.' 'I hope this can completely replace plastic.' 'I'd be happy if they used this instead of paper for straws.' 'I was wondering why marine researchers were doing this, but they want to protect the ocean. That's just wonderful.' 'I just work every day and hang out on weekends, while these people work to make the world better. It's not that Japanese people are amazing. These people are amazing.' 'I've been waiting for something like this that gives me real hope for the future.' Before we get too hopeful, there is a catch. According to JAMSTEC, this material costs about 1,000 times as much as current plastics to produce. That being said, plastics have had a considerable head start, and with some research into mass production of this cellophane, it could still become the norm for packaging and more someday. Until then, my legions of foes and Mother Nature's hordes of insects will continue to have the upper hand when it comes to invading my loosely monitored drinks, but at least hope is on the horizon. Source: TV Asahi, JAMSTEC, YouTube/ANNnewsCH Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws -- Sayonara, paper straws? Starbucks Japan rolls out new biomass plastic straws, we test them out -- No more plastic cups — Starbucks Japan aims to get rid of plastic in stores with new initiatives External Link © Japan Today
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Vidarbha Pro T20 League: Giving players freedom is key to success, says NECO Master Blaster's Jitesh Sharma
Master Blaster's batter Jitesh Sharma feels that the freedom given to young players has been a defining factor in the team's resurgence and overall performance in the ongoing Vidarbha Pro T20 League. NECO Master Blaster have qualified for the semi-final of the Vidarbha Pro T20 League and are raring to go. After losing the first match, NECO Master Blaster won three matches on trot to make a comeback. Aryan Meshram has been the standout performer, smashing three half-centuries and anchoring crucial wins for the side. Alongside him, R Sanjay has also made significant contributions, helping the team stay consistent with the bat. Speaking after the team's qualification for the knockouts, Jitesh said, 'When you give freedom to the talent, this is what happens. Aryan Meshram is one such example. That's why giving freedom to juniors and upcoming players is important – so that they can enjoy the game and express themselves on the field.' Reflecting on the team's mindset, Jitesh added, 'I've told my teammates – go and enjoy on the field. If you love hitting sixes, go hit sixes from the first ball. It doesn't matter if you get out. I'm proud of my batters for the way they've responded to this approach.' However, while the batting has flourished under this fearless style of play, Jitesh acknowledged that bowling remains an area of concern. 'One thing we need to work on is our bowling. As we head into the semi-finals, it's important we tighten up in that department,' he said.
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
"Batting needs to take more responsibility": NECO Master Blaster' skipper Jitesh Sharma after loss in Vidarbha Pro T20 League
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], June 7 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who is captaining NECO Master Blaster, in the ongoing Vidarbha Pro T20 League, feels that the batting unit needs to step up their game following the loss in the first match. Bharat Rangers clinched a tense 23-run win over NECO Master Blaster in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League match on Friday. Leading the side, Jitesh Sharma too was not able to make a mark, but the batter is confident of doing well in the coming games. 'This is a learning phase for us in the Vidarbha League. It is our first year, and naturally, there will be mistakes--but what is important is that we learn and improve. The IPL is a different league altogether and cannot be compared directly, but we can definitely raise our standards and skill levels here,' said Jitesh after the match, as per a press release from NECO Master Blaster. 'Yes, there were mistakes today, especially with the bat, but we want to focus on the positives. We bowled really well, but the batting unit needs to take more responsibility. As a player and captain, I just want to see the youngsters enjoying the game and growing through the experience,' he added. NECO Master Blaster will lock horns with Nagpur Titans on Saturday before meeting Nagpur Heroz on Sunday. 'Our plan for the next match is simple--focus on playing better cricket and aim for a win,' said Jitesh Sharma. Chasing a modest 132, NECO Master Blaster faltered to 108/10. Tight spells from N Bhute (3/32) and M Dosi (2/23) dismantled the middle-order. NECO NECO Master Blaster innings never gained momentum after early wickets, with only Gaurav Dhoble (16) and Akash Kombe (10) showing some resistance. Skipper Jitesh scored just nine runs. Men's squad: Jitesh Sharma (Captain, Wicketkeeper), R Sanjay (Vice Captain), Aryam Meshram, Adyan Daga, Adyan Routham, Akash Kombe, Vedant Dighade (Wicketkeeper), Gaurav Dhobley, Ankush Tammiwar, Aditya Khilote, Arya Durugkar, Pratham Maheshwari, Prafulla Hinge, Ananmay Jaiswal, Sarthak Dhabadgaokar, Sanmesh Deshmukh. (ANI)
Mint
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
'Batting needs to take more responsibility': NECO Master Blaster skipper Jitesh Sharma after loss in Vidarbha Pro T20 League
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], June 7 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who is captaining NECO Master Blaster, in the ongoing Vidarbha Pro T20 League, feels that the batting unit needs to step up their game following the loss in the first match. Bharat Rangers clinched a tense 23-run win over NECO Master Blaster in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League match on Friday. Leading the side, Jitesh Sharma too was not able to make a mark, but the batter is confident of doing well in the coming games. "This is a learning phase for us in the Vidarbha League. It is our first year, and naturally, there will be mistakes--but what is important is that we learn and improve. The IPL is a different league altogether and cannot be compared directly, but we can definitely raise our standards and skill levels here," said Jitesh after the match, as per a press release from NECO Master Blaster. "Yes, there were mistakes today, especially with the bat, but we want to focus on the positives. We bowled really well, but the batting unit needs to take more responsibility. As a player and captain, I just want to see the youngsters enjoying the game and growing through the experience," he added. NECO Master Blaster will lock horns with Nagpur Titans on Saturday before meeting Nagpur Heroz on Sunday. "Our plan for the next match is simple--focus on playing better cricket and aim for a win," said Jitesh Sharma. Chasing a modest 132, NECO Master Blaster faltered to 108/10. Tight spells from N Bhute (3/32) and M Dosi (2/23) dismantled the middle-order. NECO NECO Master Blaster innings never gained momentum after early wickets, with only Gaurav Dhoble (16) and Akash Kombe (10) showing some resistance. Skipper Jitesh scored just nine runs. Jitesh Sharma (Captain, Wicketkeeper), R Sanjay (Vice Captain), Aryam Meshram, Adyan Daga, Adyan Routham, Akash Kombe, Vedant Dighade (Wicketkeeper), Gaurav Dhobley, Ankush Tammiwar, Aditya Khilote, Arya Durugkar, Pratham Maheshwari, Prafulla Hinge, Ananmay Jaiswal, Sarthak Dhabadgaokar, Sanmesh Deshmukh. (ANI)
