Oil is an essential ingredient in the <keyword id="27180" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kitchen">kitchen</keyword> and it must be placed in its appropriate dispenser to make pouring <keyword id="151699" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="easy">easy</keyword> and convenient for cooking. Oil dispensers let you pour oil with ease and make the kitchen look well-arranged with proper storage. The dispensers allow you to store, measure and dispense oil while cooking. We have listed down the <keyword id="11508275" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-oil-dispensers">best oil dispensers</keyword> to make your <keyword id="47576" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Search">search</keyword> easy.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B00JJHEBQE" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B00JJHEBQE_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="BPA free" msid="83806990" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B00JJHEBQE</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B00JJHEBQE_body"><bulletContentRow name="B00JJHEBQE_4902073132642657"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Signoraware Jumbo Easy Flow Plastic Container, 1.1 Litres</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Avoid oil stains and spillage with this sturdy looking plastic dispenser by Singnoraware. Keeping health and safety in mind, Singnoraware claims to use BPA free virgin plastic which makes it durable and safe to use. The wide dispenser opening allows it to get cleaned effortlessly. The sleek appearance and sturdy build should make it look graceful in the kitchen. The spill-proof lids are said to assure you of no leakage and easy accessibility.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B00JJHEBQE_9202912737707791"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The build of the dispenser makes it easy to clean and allows it to form a firm grip.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07G3F8JB7" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07G3F8JB7_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Leak-proof" msid="83807047" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07G3F8JB7</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07G3F8JB7_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07G3F8JB7_4504612657529526"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Femora FMOJATD Borosilicate Glass <keyword id="10508393" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="oil-dispenser">Oil Dispenser</keyword> with Lid, 500ml</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Avoid excessive use of oil by measuring and pouring with a borosilicate glass oil dispenser by Femora. The stainless steel lid allows it to be leak-proof, making it convenient to use. The measuring scale on the transparent glass body should make the cooking easy with accuracy. The dispenser claims to be microwave and dishwasher friendly with a non-slip base.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07G3F8JB7_9922715583947321"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The non-slip base of the dispenser should allow it to maintain its stability.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07L42PRFC" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07L42PRFC_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Recyclable" msid="83807099" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07L42PRFC</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07L42PRFC_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07L42PRFC_2328076438299936"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Nayasa Plastic Oil Dispenser, 1000ml - Set of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This simple looking set of two plastic oil dispensers by Nayasa are said to be made of 100% food-grade material which makes them durable and safe to use. The measuring scale units on the dispensers should limit the excessive usage of oil while cooking. It is claimed that the products by Nayasa are recyclable and reusable, which makes them healthy for the environment.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07L42PRFC_9420238393111687"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The BPA free material used makes the dispensers strong and long-lasting.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B082P1LVQ8" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B082P1LVQ8_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Dishwasher Friendly" msid="83807146" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B082P1LVQ8</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B082P1LVQ8_body"><bulletContentRow name="B082P1LVQ8_2968695542934939"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Avora Glass Oil Dispenser, 500 ml - Set of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This oil dispenser set of two by Avora has a classic and graceful look with great features making it a perfect fit while cooking. The high-quality glass material claims to be shatter-free with a non-slip base allowing it to maintain stability. The pouring spouts with lever-release snap lids should help you use oil efficiently by minimising spill. It is said to be dishwasher friendly. The dispenser is claimed to be durable and strong and comes with air-tight bottle stoppers to prevent leakage.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B082P1LVQ8_7008344683343291"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This set of dispensers can be cleaned effortlessly in the dishwasher.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08LD6XW2B" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08LD6XW2B_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Rubber Cork" msid="83807182" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08LD6XW2B</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08LD6XW2B_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08LD6XW2B_9290308415090925"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">SATVIKAYA Glass Oil Dispenser, 500ml - Pack of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Make oil pouring easy with this set of two oil dispensers by Satvikaya which features one-hand operation. The transparent glass look should bring you the convenience of choosing the right dispenser. It features a high-quality rubber cork that should prevent spillage by providing a proper closure. This dispenser should allow you hassle-free cooking with its pouring spouts with lever-release snap lids for controlled pouring.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08LD6XW2B_3490528872194871"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The dispenser is easy to open and close with the lids.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08FBX9NWR" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08FBX9NWR_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Controlled Pouring" msid="83807197" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08FBX9NWR</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08FBX9NWR_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08FBX9NWR_8287911665302631"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">STAR WORK Glass Oil Dispenser Bottle for Kitchen, 500ml - Pack of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This set of two oil dispensers from Star Work features stainless steel cork which makes it leak-proof. It features airtight bottle stoppers and pouring spouts that make the oil dust-proof. Less spillage and controlled pouring make it a convenient and great option to use while cooking or dressing. This dispenser claims to be made of high-quality lead-free glass that makes it look classic with a delicate appearance.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08FBX9NWR_3922854779790771"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The non-porous design prevents dust from going in.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br />

Best oil dispensers for kitchen in India

Mumbai, Jan 17 () State-run oil marketing firm Indian Oil on Friday announced entering into a pact with Cummins Technologies for bulk dispensing of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in their advanced engines with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems. 
<p>The Indian Oil's DEF comes with the brand name ClearBlue. 
</p><p>The pact was signed by Subimal Mondal, Executive Director (lubes) at Indian Oil and Anjali Pandey, Vice President (engine business unit and component business), Cummins India, in the city on Friday, a release said. 
</p><p>"With this collaboration, IOC ClearBlue is recommended for use in all diesel vehicles that have Cummins engines or any other engines with Cummins SCR technology," Mondal said. </p><p>
</p><p>Bulk dispensing of DEF is in line with global trends and offers better cost viability to truck and bus owners, as compared to packed products, the release said. 
</p><p>The technical knowledge of Cummins combined with the bulk dispensing expertise of Indian Oil will help offer a world-class product to the customers across the country, it added. 
</p>"With this initiative, Indian Oil's innovation in a diesel exhaust fluid, delivers superior results that ensure emissions controls. In the new emission era of BS-VI, all diesel vehicles would require IOC ClearBlue and the right quality would extensively help in controlling the NOx emitted," said Pandey.  IAS  MKJ

Indian Oil inks pact with Cummins Tech for bulk dispensing of DEF

Some members of multilevel-marketing company Young Living are making questionable claims about 'essential oils' curing cancer and coronavirus

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I will pay extra for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/affordable-skin-care-brands-companies">quality skincare products</a>, but I've found some great ones at Trader Joe's.</li><li>Its zinc-oxide mineral sunscreen and facial cleansing pads with tea-tree oil are staples for me.</li></ul><p><span>As someone always searching for </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flight-attendants-recommended-beauty-products-2019-10"><span>game-changing skincare products</span></a><span>, I'm willing to — and have — spent the extra money on high-end stuff.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I have sensitive skin and seek out products with high-quality ingredients that lean into clean beauty, get excellent reviews, or are ride-or-die recommendations by close friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Fortunately, I've found that not every great product also has a high price tag. You can find some of them at grocery stores.</span></p><p><span>Here are some </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trader-joes-beauty-products-affordable-2018-9"><span>affordable beauty products from Trader Joe's</span></a><span> that I love so much they've become part of my routine</span>.</p><h2><strong>Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub, $5</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub on shelf" height="1280" width="960" msid="108114375" hostid="261"></div><p><span>I avoid harsh exfoliants, but I love the feeling of a </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/these-facials-safety-remove-dead-skin-for-healthier-looking-skin-2020-12"><span>deep-cleaning spa facial</span></a><span> — and Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub feels like the happy medium between the two.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>At just $5, this 2-ounce tube packs a big punch. It has a light, cream base, and a fine grain. I can feel it removing dead skin cells even when applying it gently.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I don't think it's oily, and I like that it doesn't have a strong scent. It's my go-to when I want my skin to feel smooth and seemingly appear brighter.</span></p><p><span>I use this about twice a week, often as part of my </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/simplify-skincare-routine-for-better-skin-2023-8"><span>nighttime skin routine</span></a>.</p><h2><strong>Trader Joe's SPA facial-cleansing pads with tea-tree oil, $5</strong></h2><p><span>Makeup-removal wipes are the </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lazy-girl-easy-skincare-routine-2023-8"><span>lazy girl's skincare go-to</span></a><span>, but Trader Joe's facial-cleaning pads take easy cleaning to the next level for me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>The textured surface of these soft, circular pads makes them ideal for removing grime and oil from my skin without stripping it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>The pads stay moist in the little round container and have a gentle, natural scent from the tea-tree oil. Plus, I get 50 of them for $5.</span></p><p><span>Using them leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, which makes sense since tea-tree oil is known for being </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil"><span>antibacterial and anti-inflammatory</span></a>.</p><h2><strong>Trader Joe's hyaluronic moisture-boost serum, $10</strong></h2><p><span>As one of the most coveted product categories in skincare, facial serums can come with a hefty price tag, but many from Trader Joe's are $10 or less.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I've probably heard the most people recommend Trader Joe's hyaluronic moisture-boost serum. The medium-thick gel glides on smoothly, and I think it hydrates beautifully, leaving my skin feeling plump and supple.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>It settles nicely on my sensitive skin when I use it at night, and it helps my makeup glide on when I apply it during the day.</span></p><p><span>It's also a great travel serum because if I leave it behind, I feel better replacing a $10 serum instead of a $99 one</span>.</p><h2><strong>Trader Joe's SPA face wash with tea-tree oil, $6</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Trader Joe's face wash bottle " height="1280" width="960" msid="108114377" hostid="261"></div><p><span>Trader Joe's SPA face wash with tea-tree oil comes in an 8.5-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser for just $6.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>It's become a staple for me, and I've found that I can use one pump to wash my entire face, neck, and decolletage.</span></p><p><span>The product comes out as a thin liquid but offers a liberal lather from the start. Again, I like that it contains tea-tree oil, which gives my skin a refreshing tingly feeling that isn't too harsh</span>.</p><h2><strong>Trader Joe's zinc-oxide mineral-sunscreen spray — SPF 30, $10</strong></h2><p><span>As a fair-skinned girl who's always slathering on SPF, I have </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supergoop-vs-cheap-trader-joes-sunscreen-dupe-review-2023-6"><span>tried a ton of sunscreens</span></a><span>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Though I don't love how mineral sunscreens often seem heavier than their chemical counterparts, I love that they reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them, as chemical sunscreens do. Mineral sunscreens feel more like a shield to me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Trader Joe's zinc-oxide mineral-sunscreen spray is the best zinc-based sunscreen I've found that still feels light and rubs in clear instead of white.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I also give it points for being fragrance-free and including soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, grapefruit oil, and vitamin E.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>At just $10 a bottle, it's cheaper than other mineral-sunscreen sprays I've found, so I stock up whenever I'm at Trader Joe's.</span></p>

I swapped my high-end skincare products for Trader Joe's finds under $10. Here's what I'm keeping in my routine. 

<br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B099KS9YNM" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B099KS9YNM_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Durable Build" msid="87178741" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B099KS9YNM</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B099KS9YNM_body"><bulletContentRow name="B099KS9YNM_8784130129707128"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Shakti Trader Wooden Serving and Cooking Spoons Set Kitchen Organizer Items <keyword id="1707533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kitchen-accessories" source="Orion">Kitchen Accessories</keyword> Items- Set of 7</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If you like cooking, you'd agree that kitchen setups are incomplete without a proper set of cooking and serving spoons! So if you have been looking for such kitchen products, that would be budget-friendly and durable, try this set of 7 wooden spoons.<br />Made out of the finest quality of sheesham wood, these light-weight spoons can be used to cook as well as serve. The smooth finishing of each product enables easy handling too! Perfect as a housewarming gift, this pack has a premium feel to it and will surely be a great addition to any kitchen.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B099KS9YNM_7830011126501545"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This set of 7 wooden spoons can be used to cook as well as serve.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01LWYDEQ7" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01LWYDEQ7_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Compact Size" msid="87178793" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01LWYDEQ7</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01LWYDEQ7_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01LWYDEQ7_8754634141330990"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Pigeon Plastic Mini Handy and Compact Chopper with 3 Blades</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Given our daily routines, we usually have very limited time to spend in the kitchen, especially on WFH days! So to save our time and to put a stop to 'onion tears', Pigeon Handy Chopper has walked in. Equipped with 3 blades and a unique string functionality, this easy-to-use mini chopper requires no electricity and comes with promises of longevity.<br />Additionally, this detachable handy chopper can be cleaned easily and is ideal for hassle-free chopping of vegetables or fruits. A must-have in every kitchen, this eco-friendly and compact kitchen tool comes with a 30-day warranty.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01LWYDEQ7_0150597749891639"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This Pigeon Handy Chopper requires no electricity and enables hassle-free chopping of vegetables and fruits.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08QFDQ1LV" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08QFDQ1LV_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Innovative Design" msid="87178838" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08QFDQ1LV</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08QFDQ1LV_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08QFDQ1LV_5132751406080233"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Vasukie 2-in-1 Soap Dispenser for Kitchen and Sponge Holder Dish Soap Dispenser</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Washing dishes after an elaborate meal, quite often becomes an intensive task and Vasukie understands that. So to quicken the process of cleaning your utensils, the brand has come up with this 2-in-1 tool that is a soap dispenser as well as a sponge holder.<br />The product is a game-changer because it reduces the time you spend at the sink while saving space and your dishwashing liquid. Further, this soap dispenser is made of unbreakable ABS plastic, which offers durability and all kinds of scrubbers can be placed on it. After grabbing this tool, you can welcome in a clutter-free sink space, like never before.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08QFDQ1LV_0826837582114503"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Vasukie's soap dispenser cum sponge holder eliminates sink clutter and reduces cleaning time as well.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07PBBRWFG" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07PBBRWFG_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Dishwasher Safe" msid="87178868" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07PBBRWFG</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07PBBRWFG_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07PBBRWFG_0726473169324153"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Amazon Brand - Solimo Revolving Plastic Spice Rack set, 16 Pieces</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If you're fond of neatly arranged and well-equipped kitchens, then you should consider buying the Solimo Revolving Plastic Spice Rack. This popular revolving rack set offers 16 refillable spice jars, made of food-grade and BPA-free plastic.<br />A high-quality contemporary storage solution that is also shatterproof and easy to use, this spice rack set adds elegance to any pantry. Moreover, these jars keep the spices fresh and free from the aroma of other seasonings. So without further ado, get your hands on this spice jar set and transform your kitchen into an aesthetic space.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07PBBRWFG_0825957960373857"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This high-quality revolving rack set offers 16 spice jars and is a contemporary storage solution.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08SKBMTNF" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08SKBMTNF_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Easy Pouring" msid="87178924" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08SKBMTNF</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08SKBMTNF_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08SKBMTNF_3545200654544333"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Kri N Sha Glass Oil Dispenser 500 ml Set of 2, 120 ml Spice Jar Set of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This premium combo pack of 2 oil dispensers and 2 spice jars, is just what you need to amp up your kitchen counter! The glass oil dispensers are leak-proof, which prevents any spillage and are ideal for storing liquid condiments. On the other hand, the spice jars come with dual-flip lids and can be used to store multiple items like spices, bath salts and small art supplies.<br />The thick clear glass used to mould the oil dispensers and spice jars, are rust-resistant and utterly durable as well. Perfect as a housewarming gift, this classy set is a must-have in every modern kitchen.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08SKBMTNF_0888069648113750"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This combo of 2 oil dispensers and 2 spice jars, is a perfect housewarming gift.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01N7T4O2J" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01N7T4O2J_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Rust-Free" msid="87178958" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01N7T4O2J</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01N7T4O2J_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01N7T4O2J_9725619080430892"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Life Time Chakla Belan Stand</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If your kitchen spells minimalism, then you're bound to be lured by this top-end stainless steel stand, meant for your rolling pin and board. A compact product, this heavy-duty stand can be mounted on the wall without any visible screws. You can also easily remove and wash this light-weight accessory, without any help.<br />This stand is engineered with automated techniques and has a multi-layer chrome plating alongside a nano-coating, for increased endurance. Overall, it is a practical storage solution, which helps you to organize your kitchen in an attractive manner! Get your hands on this elegant stand or gift it to your dear one, who loves all things minimally.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01N7T4O2J_9028447651859947"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This stainless steel stand is a practical storage solution for your rolling pin and board.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed>

6 kitchen accessories that you didn't know you need

Many of us love our kitchens, essentially because it is a versatile space. It is where we can prepare meals for our loved ones, explore our culinary prowess and even learn handy life skills, amid other things. It is definitely crucial to equip this multipurpose area with long-lasting amenities that would keep it organized and add to our comfort as well.<br />Although there are tons of kitchen products available online, choosing the best of them all, isn't always an easy task! So we have listed out 6 must-have <keyword id="1707533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kitchen-accessories" source="Orion">kitchen accessories</keyword> within pocket-friendly prices, to keep your shopping dilemmas at bay.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B099KS9YNM" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B099KS9YNM_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Durable Build" msid="87178741" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B099KS9YNM</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B099KS9YNM_body"><bulletContentRow name="B099KS9YNM_9127596134929354"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Shakti Trader Wooden Serving and Cooking Spoons Set Kitchen Organizer Items Kitchen Accessories Items- Set of 7</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If you like cooking, you'd agree that kitchen setups are incomplete without a proper set of cooking and serving spoons! So if you have been looking for such kitchen products, that would be budget-friendly and durable, try this set of 7 wooden spoons.<br />Made out of the finest quality of sheesham wood, these light-weight spoons can be used to cook as well as serve. The smooth finishing of each product enables easy handling too! Perfect as a housewarming gift, this pack has a premium feel to it and will surely be a great addition to any kitchen.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B099KS9YNM_4540544479986940"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This set of 7 wooden spoons can be used to cook as well as serve.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01LWYDEQ7" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01LWYDEQ7_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Compact Size" msid="87178793" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01LWYDEQ7</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01LWYDEQ7_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01LWYDEQ7_8044720245730441"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Pigeon Plastic Mini Handy and Compact Chopper with 3 Blades</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Given our daily routines, we usually have very limited time to spend in the kitchen, especially on WFH days! So to save our time and to put a stop to 'onion tears', Pigeon Handy Chopper has walked in. Equipped with 3 blades and a unique string functionality, this easy-to-use mini chopper requires no electricity and comes with promises of longevity.<br />Additionally, this detachable handy chopper can be cleaned easily and is ideal for hassle-free chopping of vegetables or fruits. A must-have in every kitchen, this eco-friendly and compact kitchen tool comes with a 30-day warranty.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01LWYDEQ7_7662762933111797"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This Pigeon Handy Chopper requires no electricity and enables hassle-free chopping of vegetables and fruits.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08QFDQ1LV" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08QFDQ1LV_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Innovative Design" msid="87178838" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08QFDQ1LV</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08QFDQ1LV_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08QFDQ1LV_5748797611803613"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Vasukie 2-in-1 Soap Dispenser for Kitchen and Sponge Holder Dish Soap Dispenser</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Washing dishes after an elaborate meal, quite often becomes an intensive task and Vasukie understands that. So to quicken the process of cleaning your utensils, the brand has come up with this 2-in-1 tool that is a soap dispenser as well as a sponge holder.<br />The product is a game-changer because it reduces the time you spend at the sink while saving space and your dishwashing liquid. Further, this soap dispenser is made of unbreakable ABS plastic, which offers durability and all kinds of scrubbers can be placed on it. After grabbing this tool, you can welcome in a clutter-free sink space, like never before.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08QFDQ1LV_0436618912487352"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Vasukie's soap dispenser cum sponge holder eliminates sink clutter and reduces cleaning time as well.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07PBBRWFG" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07PBBRWFG_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Dishwasher Safe" msid="87178868" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07PBBRWFG</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07PBBRWFG_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07PBBRWFG_6387722126881777"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Amazon Brand - Solimo Revolving Plastic Spice Rack set, 16 Pieces</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If you're fond of neatly arranged and well-equipped kitchens, then you should consider buying the Solimo Revolving Plastic Spice Rack. This popular revolving rack set offers 16 refillable spice jars, made of food-grade and BPA-free plastic.<br />A high-quality contemporary storage solution that is also shatterproof and easy to use, this spice rack set adds elegance to any pantry. Moreover, these jars keep the spices fresh and free from the aroma of other seasonings. So without further ado, get your hands on this spice jar set and transform your kitchen into an aesthetic space.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07PBBRWFG_3026918942637431"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This high-quality revolving rack set offers 16 spice jars and is a contemporary storage solution.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08SKBMTNF" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08SKBMTNF_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Easy Pouring" msid="87178924" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08SKBMTNF</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08SKBMTNF_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08SKBMTNF_6413929685716784"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Kri N Sha Glass Oil Dispenser 500 ml Set of 2, 120 ml Spice Jar Set of 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This premium combo pack of 2 oil dispensers and 2 spice jars, is just what you need to amp up your kitchen counter! The glass oil dispensers are leak-proof, which prevents any spillage and are ideal for storing liquid condiments. On the other hand, the spice jars come with dual-flip lids and can be used to store multiple items like spices, bath salts and small art supplies.<br />The thick clear glass used to mould the oil dispensers and spice jars, are rust-resistant and utterly durable as well. Perfect as a housewarming gift, this classy set is a must-have in every modern kitchen.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08SKBMTNF_3479535737477312"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This combo of 2 oil dispensers and 2 spice jars, is a perfect housewarming gift.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01N7T4O2J" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01N7T4O2J_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Rust-Free" msid="87178958" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01N7T4O2J</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01N7T4O2J_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01N7T4O2J_8499806933688268"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Life Time Chakla Belan Stand</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If your kitchen spells minimalism, then you're bound to be lured by this top-end stainless steel stand, meant for your rolling pin and board. A compact product, this heavy-duty stand can be mounted on the wall without any visible screws. You can also easily remove and wash this light-weight accessory, without any help.<br />This stand is engineered with automated techniques and has a multi-layer chrome plating alongside a nano-coating, for increased endurance. Overall, it is a practical storage solution, which helps you to organize your kitchen in an attractive manner! Get your hands on this elegant stand or gift it to your dear one, who loves all things minimally.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01N7T4O2J_5989135659078172"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This stainless steel stand is a practical storage solution for your rolling pin and board.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br />

Best kitchen accessories in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I ate at the world's fanciest <keyword id="11916300" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mcdonalds" source="Orion">McDonald's</keyword> in <keyword id="11896021" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hong-kong" source="Orion">Hong Kong</keyword> and was impressed by the <keyword id="11894142" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="food" source="Orion">food</keyword> and atmosphere.</li><li>The <keyword id="11898236" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="restaurant" source="Orion">restaurant</keyword> had a build-your-own-salad bar and offered sleek, chic-looking menus to customers.</li></ul><p>Hong Kong's versions of popular American <a href="https://www.insider.com/mcdonalds-around-the-world-differences-2018-12">fast-food chains</a> are sometimes better than the original ones in the US.</p><p>For example, the city is famously home to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hong-kong-mcdonalds-next/index.html">the McDonald's Next concept</a>, a version of the fast-food franchise that strives to be "modern and progressive."</p><p>I visited the location in Admiralty, which has been called the <a href="https://www.insider.com/hong-kong-is-home-to-worlds-fanciest-mcdonalds-2018-10">"fanciest McDonald's in the world."</a> Here are seven things that surprised me when I visited. </p><h2>The build-your-own-salad bar was one of the first things I noticed</h2><div type="image" title="A salad bar in a warehouse-style McDonald's with employees working behind counter" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872180" hostid="261"></div><p>Modeled after Chipotle's fast-casual concept, the build-your-own-salad bar has 19 ingredients, including different types of greens, quinoa, and sauces. </p><p>Customers can take a few minutes to build their own salads while waiting for their made-to-order burgers to be served from the kitchen to the table.</p><h2>Each meal was customizable and there were a variety of options</h2><div type="image" title="A self-order kiosk with black background and images of brioche bun, tomato, lettuce; Self-order kiosk with images of burger patty and other meats" height="900" width="1200" msid="91872182" hostid="261"></div><p>I excitedly ordered my own burger at one of the many "Create Your Taste" kiosks. I could choose my preferences for bread, meat, and vegetables for my burger as I sifted through the screen's many options.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-and-worst-burgers-at-mcdonalds-ranked-2019-11">burger selection offered choices</a> of bun or bun-less and meat or Portobello mushroom, and the addition of top-notch ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, guacamole, caramelized onions, and even truffle sauce.</p><div type="image" title="A self-order kiosk with a screen showing burger options with a pink design on top with images of fries in a container with a cartoon rabbit on them" height="1025" width="1366" msid="91872184" hostid="261"></div><p>Even more surprising to me was that my custom burger cost less than $10. </p><h2>The advertising and menu were sleek and elegant</h2><div type="image" title="Metallic, warehouse-style counter with cash registers and a black, red, and white menu with McDonald's items overhead" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872186" hostid="261"></div><p>The cold-brew coffee looked like something straight out of a TV ad, and pictures of <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-and-ranking-all-of-the-desserts-on-mcdonalds-menu-2019-11">special menu items like pizza and tiramisu</a> were plastered on posters and looked delectably delicious.</p><p>Even the different coffee beans were nicely advertised as if they were a choice between sauvignon blanc or chardonnay.</p><h2>The service reminded me of a restaurant-quality experience</h2><div type="image" title="A plastic marker on a table with a brown illustration with a burger on it and the number &quot;216&quot; printed on it" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872189" hostid="261"></div><p>Once I placed my order at the kiosk, I was dispensed a number to place on my table. A staff member brought my order, so I never even had to get up.</p><p>Getting to dine in added a touch of the <a href="https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/low-impact-living/what-is-slow-food-movement">slow-food movement</a> to the Happy-Meal experience. The different seating arrangements catered to a variety of diners and groups, reminiscent of a restaurant-quality experience. </p><h2>There were some themed food items on the menu</h2><div type="image" title="Close up of burger with brioche bun and container of curly fries with cartoon rabbit on it" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872193" hostid="261"></div><p>For roughly $1, I ordered Sanrio My Melody-themed curly fries and a peach soda. The soda was fizzy with bits of peach jelly at the bottom of the drink and the fries were Cajun-style and slightly soggy from being cooked in oil.</p><p>Neither of these food items has remotely anything to do with My Melody, but the packaging was endearing and aesthetically pleasing.</p><h2><div type="image" title="The writer holds a burger with lettuce on a brioche bun with a bite taken out of it. Cardboard container with a smaller pink container with curly fries inside" height="902" width="1200" msid="91872195" hostid="261"></div></h2><p>One <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/faq/snacks-and-sides.html">can't order curly fries</a> or a <a href="https://querysprout.com/what-buns-does-mcdonalds-use/#:~:text=McDonald's%20has%20three%20different%20buns,but%20they%20are%20dairy%2Dfree.">brioche bun at the franchise</a> in the US, so this was another perk of dining at McDonald's Next.</p><h2>The restaurant was equipped with wireless charging stations</h2><p>This McDonald's seemed to be designed to make patrons want to stay for the whole day.</p><p>Equipped with wireless charging technology, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/most-beautiful-mcdonalds-photo-tour-new-york">comfort and convenience of the restaurant's amenities</a> gave a nod to Hong Kong's fast-paced urban culture. </p><h2>I was impressed with the chic interior design</h2><div type="image" title="The exterior of McDonald's Next with McDonald's logo on outside on a gray industrial wall and a entryway to restaurant" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872197" hostid="261"></div><p>The space was decorated with untreated oak, polished concrete flooring, and understated line drawings of McDonald's classic menu items.</p><div type="image" title="Industrial-style counter with hanging cylindrical lighting and tile floor in a restaurant. A wooden-top table with gray, industrial legs sits in front of counter" height="1536" width="2048" msid="91872199" hostid="261"></div><p>Open ceilings with visible ductwork and walls with exposed studs and joint work created a warehouse-style aesthetic that took the emphasis away from the setting and <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-mcdonalds-in-taiwan-2019-1">shifted my focus to the food</a>.</p><p>This McDonald's Next concept stole the show with a minimalist metallic design.</p>

I visited the world's 'fanciest' McDonald's in Hong Kong. Here are 7 things that surprised me the most.

New Delhi, Mar 2 () Housing societies, hotels and hospitals in the national capital region will soon be able to get diesel delivered at their doorsteps, with the launch of mobile application 'Humsafar' on Monday.<p> "The oil and gas sector remains strategically important for the country and is ripe for disruption. Innovative tech ideas like 'Humsafar' will bring new technology and know-how to the market as well as generate employment that will positively impact the economy as well as the bulk consumers of diesel," Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar said at the app launch event.</p><p> The app will be used for the fuel delivery services to housing societies, hotels, hospitals, malls, construction sites, industries, banquets and other bulk buyers of diesel in various NCR cities, including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, Hapur, Kundli, Manesar, and Bahadurgarh.</p><p> Sanya Goel, director and founder of Humsafar, said the main idea of introducing this service is to help entities such as housing societies, industries and malls avoid the hassle of transporting large amounts of fuel from the fuel station to the desired destination. "This would also cut down the unsafe practices of transporting the fuel and ensure a highly secured mode of transport by Humsafar delivery dispensers."</p><p> The major benefits of diesel delivery service are good quality and quantity of fuel delivered, live tracking of the delivery vehicle, automated billing, delivery within 8 hours and no spillage and wastage of fuel.</p> Humsafar has 12 bowser tankers in varying capacity from 4 kilolitres to 6 kilolitres and an experienced team of 35 people, excluding bowser crews.   KKS HRS

Gangwar launches Humsafar mobile app for doorstep diesel delivery

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcomplete-collection-autumn-fig%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d800be62e22af278b644361-800/grove collaborative soap.jpg" border="0" alt="grove collaborative soap" data-mce-source="Grove Collaborative" /></a><p class="source"><span>Grove Collaborative</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I never thought that I'd be excited by everyday household supplies like dish soap and hand soap, but the soaps from online natural home brand <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fhome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grove Collaborative</a> changed that for me. </li><li>Its soaps are made with safe, plant-based ingredients and come in refill packs, to be used with sleek and sturdy glass dispensers. The ones I tried from the <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcomplete-collection-autumn-fig%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Autumn Fig Collection</a> ($37.95) also smell amazing. </li><li>If a company can make me look forward to washing my dishes and hands, then I'm very interested in seeing what else it can do to improve the little tasks in my life. </li></ul><p>When I'm in the kitchen, things like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/material-copper-pan-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an efficient, versatile pan</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/year-and-day-ceramic-dinnerware-review-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elegant, simple dinnerware</a> excite me. So does a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brightland-olive-oil-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nice bottle of olive oil</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rightrice-review-healthy-rice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protein-packed grains</a>.</p><p>I could spend hours considering the features of cookware and food products, but I've probably only spent about 1/100th of the same time thinking about and picking out the soap in my kitchen. </p><p>That attitude is changing, though. The growing popularity of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-natural-makeup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">natural beauty products</a> has me looking more closely at the ingredients in all the other products I use in my daily life. There are few products I use more every day than soap. </p><p><a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fhome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grove Collaborative</a>, an online marketplace for the best natural home and personal care products, recently sent me its <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcomplete-collection-autumn-fig%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Autumn Fig Collection</a> ($37.95), which includes gel dish soap and gel hand soap. </p><p>I took on to these simple and common household supplies with surprising gusto. The scent played a big role - the sweet and rich fig scent managed to still be bright and fresh rather than cloying, and it was a refreshing change from the generically "fresh" scents of most soaps. What's great is that this fragrance is also natural, made with a blend of essential oils and other plant-based ingredients. </p><p>These soaps cleaned as well as any other I've tried before, so it's not really the cleaning ability itself that impressed me. Instead, it was that they were made of safe, plant-based ingredients and promoted eco-friendly practices. The soaps come in refill packs rather than single-use plastic bottles and can be used with Grove Collaborative's <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fglass-dish-soap-dispenser%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glass Dish Soap Dispenser</a> (16-ounce, $12.95) and <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fglass-hand-soap%2F%3Fv%3D1658%26attrsrc%3D34%26attrpg%3Dcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fglass-dish-soap-dispenser%26attrpos%3D1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glass Hand Soap Dispenser</a> (13.5-ounce, $10.95). </p><p>The dispensers are made from sturdy, partly recycled glass, so they're reusable and refillable. Add <a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Ffall-printed-dish-soap-sleeve%2F%3Fv%3D4790%26attrsrc%3D22%26attrpg%3Dcatalog%26attrpos%3D12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a silicone sleeve</a> and they won't slip around on your sink top. Overall, they looked cleaner and more sleek than plastic bottles.</p><p>The Autumn Fig set also came with a natural soy candle, organic cotton tea towel, and European dish cloth, but it was the soaps that I loved the most because they elevated and made everyday cleaning rituals safer for my body.</p><p>Overall, they were a great introduction to Grove Collaborative's standards of sustainability, quality ingredients, and beautiful products, and I plan on exploring more of the company's offerings. </p><h3><a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcomplete-collection-autumn-fig%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shop the Autumn Fig Collection for $37.95 at Grove Collaborative</a></h3><h3><a href="http://grove.pxf.io/c/196318/483759/8442?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grove.co%2Fhome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shop all natural home and personal care products at Grove Collaborative</a></h3> <p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

Grove Collaborative makes natural hand soap and dishwashing soap that actually gets me excited to do the dishes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Following <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-eat-for-lunch-on-the-mediterranean-diet">the Mediterranean diet</a> helped me learn how to cook balanced, fresh meals.</li><li>Some of my favorite ingredients to cook with are halloumi, feta, and marinated olives.</li></ul><p>Learning to cook can be a daunting experience, but discovering the <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-grocery-shopping-meal-planning-tips-from-nutritionists-2020-1">Mediterranean diet</a> during my first year at university was a game-changer.</p><p>This eating pattern, which emphasizes fresh vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, beans, and eggs, taught me how to nourish myself without hating the <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Food" source="Orion">food</keyword> on my plate. I also learned balance, like how to pair less-healthy options, like cheese and smoked meats, with fresh produce and whole grains.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/freelancer%20mediterranean-diet">Following this diet</a> even helped me learn how to cook. After a couple of months, I could spiralize zucchini, make hummus from scratch, and even debone a fish. </p><p>Four years later and I am still sustainably reaping the benefits of the <keyword id="55918" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mediterranean-Diet" source="Orion">Mediterranean diet</keyword>, which has been named the best <keyword id="11892706" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="diet" source="Orion">diet</keyword> for <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-try-mediterranean-diet-for-healthy-eating-2021-1">multiple years</a>. I have more energy, clearer skin, and a better digestive system than I ever had before. </p><p>Read on for the ingredients I always have in my <keyword id="6584173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pantry" source="Orion">pantry</keyword> and fridge to keep up with following this eating pattern. </p><h2><strong>My go-to dressing is a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Bread selfie" height="1128" width="1505" msid="80634707" hostid="261"></div><p>Olive oil is a <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-pros-and-cons-2019-3">staple of the Mediterranean diet</a>, and I think it's important to buy a high-quality version of it. This often means spending a few extra dollars to get that signature Mediterranean taste.</p><p>I typically dispense my olive oil into a glass container and season it with a few sprigs of sage.</p><p>It pairs well with salad and for a simple appetizer, you can slice sourdough bread and top it with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pepper.</p><h2><strong>Feta is my secret weapon</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="baked feta" height="1119" width="1492" msid="80634712" hostid="261"></div><p>If a dish is burnt, soggy, or tasteless just pop some feta on it and you're good to go. It <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-cheeses-according-to-cheesemongers-chefs-2019-2">crumbles, bakes, melts, and looks appetizing</a>, too.</p><p>One of my favorite ways to serve feta is by baking it. Lace a block of feta in the middle of a baking tray and surround it with sliced onions and peppers. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a handful of chorizo for a smoky underlayer.</p><p>Drizzle with olive oil and add a few mixed herbs before baking it in the oven. It should take around 20 minutes to turn a golden brown. Pair it with some toasted slices of pita bread to dip in the creamy cheese. </p><p><em><strong>Read More: </strong></em><em><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-eat-for-lunch-on-the-mediterranean-diet">10 of the best things to eat for lunch on the Mediterranean diet</a></em></p><h2><strong>Get used to cooking with tinned fish</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="tinned sardines and anchovies " height="1134" width="1512" msid="80634714" hostid="261"></div><p>Tinned <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-fish-good-for-you-2018-11">sardines and anchovies</a> may not look very tasty, but they are cheap and easy to prepare. Tinned fish is also a great way to get your nutrients in <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-eating-for-a-day-2019-3">without breaking the bank at the fish counter.</a></p><p>Tinned fish pairs well with sourdough bread for a simple snack and it can also elevate homemade pizza. </p><h2><strong>Chickpeas are incredibly versatile</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="bean salad" height="1435" width="1512" msid="80634717" hostid="261"></div><p>After living with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-vegan-diet-foods-2019-1">vegan</a> friend for a few years, I have pretty much mastered the art of chickpeas. They are a fantastic source of protein, <a href="https://www.insider.com/food-to-eat-on-the-mediterranean-diet-2019-1">especially if you don't eat meat.</a></p><p>It's a key ingredient in hummus but, in my experience, this can be time-consuming to make and you may want to save yourself some effort and buy it from the store. </p><p>On the other hand, it's easy to make things like a light <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-salads-at-restaurants-chefs">mixed-bean salad</a> yourself. </p><p>In a bowl, combine a few cans of chickpeas and mixed beans, diced cucumber and tomatoes, olives, peppers, and a handful of walnuts. For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, white wine vinegar, and fresh mint.</p><h2><strong>Zucchini is a great substitute for starchy potatoes </strong></h2><div type="image" title="zucchini  boats Mediterranean diet" height="1226" width="1494" msid="80634719" hostid="261"></div><p>Stuffed zucchini is probably my favorite substitute for potatoes.</p><p>To make it, <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-that-you-dont-know-how-to-slice-or-cut-2020-3">slice a few zucchinis</a> down the middle to create a boat-like shape. Place them under the grill for a few minutes until they start to char. You can also do this in a frying pan if you don't have a grill. </p><p>To make the filling, combine mozzarella and tomatoes with a sprinkling of oregano in a bowl. When the zucchini is done, hollow out the middle and start stuffing. Place back under the grill until the cheese is crisp.</p><p><em><strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-pros-and-cons-2019-3">6 pros — and 3 cons — of following the Mediterranean diet</a></em></p><h2><strong>Potatoes are also easy to enjoy on the <keyword id="55918" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mediterranean-Diet" source="Orion">Mediterranean diet</keyword></strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="selfie with potatoes 2" height="2016" width="1512" msid="80634723" hostid="261"></div><p>Good news: <a href="https://www.insider.com/reasons-not-losing-weight-on-the-mediterranean-diet-2019-1">The Mediterranean diet does not eliminate carbs</a> like potatoes. </p><p>One of my favorite ways to make them as a side dish is by soaking them in lemon juice and herbs. </p><p>To prepare, soak diced potatoes in chicken stock, lemon juice, and rosemary before placing them in the oven for 40 minutes to an hour.</p><p>Although these <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-the-trick-to-make-baked-potatoes-better-from-martha-stewart">potatoes</a> are not crispy, they're incredibly fluffy, moist, and flavorful.</p><h2><strong>Halloumi is nice and dense </strong></h2><div type="image" title="fried halloumi" height="1617" width="1512" msid="80634726" hostid="261"></div><p>Fried halloumi, a type of semi-hard cheese, is a common feature in my <keyword id="11892706" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="diet" source="Orion">diet</keyword>. I often add it to salads and wraps, topped with beetroot, spinach, and peppers.</p><p>Halloumi is also an excellent way to enjoy a fried treat without straying too far from the Mediterranean eating pattern.</p><p>It's also <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-vegetarian-dishes-from-around-the-world-2019-6">a great meat alternative</a> because of its dense texture. To amp up the halloumi's flavor, marinate your cheese overnight in a sweet chili sauce before adding it to your desired dish. </p><h2><strong>Cured meats are packed with flavor</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Cured meats" height="1119" width="1492" msid="80634729" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-tips-for-cooking-meat-from-chefs-2019-6">Cured meats</a> pair nicely with salads and sandwiches, and they're also the flavorful star of any charcuterie board. Just pair them with sundried tomatoes, olives, and a bit of sourdough bread. </p><p>My favorites include chorizo, a type of pork sausage, and Parma ham, Italian dry-cured ham. They add a nice spice to any appetizer and can help add variety to your diet.</p><h2>Swordfish is my seafood of choice</h2><div type="image" title="stuffed Swordfish" height="1036" width="1382" msid="80634731" hostid="261"></div><p>Fresh fish is another staple in my diet, and my favorite is swordfish. </p><p>I like to pair it with feta, spinach, and a lot of lemon juice. The lemon sharpens the taste while the feta and spinach give it a creamy finish. I typically partially slice the swordfish, stuff it, and fry until done.</p><p>I like to serve this with a portion of Mediterranean-style roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. </p><p>Swordfish can be expensive, <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-on-a-budget-2019-3">so those on a tighter budget</a> can also try this preparation method with cod or chicken. </p><h2><strong>Marinated olives upgrade any salad</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="greek salad" height="1639" width="1512" msid="80634734" hostid="261"></div><p>A <a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-effects-on-digestion-2019-2">Mediterranean-diet meal</a> is not complete without a fresh, Greek-style salad.</p><p>My go-to recipe consists of diced tomatoes and cucumbers, chopped red onion, and olives. I like to use olives that have been marinated in oil and mixed herbs for added flavor. For extra protein, I add falafel and chickpeas to the mix. </p><p>Of course, I finish my salads with my signature 2-ingredient dressing mentioned above.</p><h2><strong>Fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="fresh herbs" height="1800" width="1509" msid="80634739" hostid="261"></div><p>Mediterranean <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Food" source="Orion">food</keyword> is <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-mediterranean-diet-what-to-know-before-you-start-2019-2">all about the finishing touches</a>, and those typically include basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and mint.</p><p>Although dried herbs add flavor, fresh ones can truly elevate a recipe. For example, adding fresh mint to watermelon and feta salad greatly upgrades the taste.</p><p>I don't have a full garden, but I've had luck buying fresh herbs online and growing them in my kitchen. </p><p><strong>Read More:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-eat-for-lunch-on-the-mediterranean-diet">10 of the best things to eat for lunch on the Mediterranean diet</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-the-mediterranean-diet-2018-3">I followed the Mediterranean diet for a week, and I get why it's so popular</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/mediterranean-diet-best-breakfast-food-2019-1">7 of the best things to eat for breakfast on the Mediterranean diet</a></p>

I've followed the Mediterranean diet for years. Here are 11 things I always have in my pantry and fridge.

I shopped at Aldi and Lidl to see which grocery store was better, and the newer chain was clearly superior

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/52482b866bb3f7e87686fd8a-1200-800/rtxa64.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="jade" width="800" /><p class="source">REUTERS/Aung Hla Tun </p><p class="caption">A <keyword id="16488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jade">jade</keyword> merchant inspects the most valuable jade lot that will be auctioned at the Mid-Year Emporium in Yangon November 13, 2007.</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>HPAKANT, Myanmar (Reuters) - Tin Tun picked all night through teetering heaps of rubble to find the palm-sized lump of jade he now holds in his hand. He hopes it will make him a fortune. It's happened before.</p>
<p>"Last year I found a stone worth 50 million kyat," he said, trekking past the craters and slag heaps of this notorious jade-mining region in northwest Myanmar. That's about $50,000 - and it was more than enough money for Tin Tun, 38, to buy land and build a house in his home village.</p>
<p>But rare finds by small-time prospectors like Tin Tun pale next to the staggering wealth extracted on an industrial scale by Myanmar's military, the tycoons it helped enrich, and companies linked to the country where most jade ends up: China.</p>
<p>Almost half of all jade sales are "unofficial" - that is, spirited over the border into China with little or no formal taxation. This represents billions of dollars in lost revenues that could be spent on rebuilding a nation shattered by nearly half a century of military dictatorship.</p>
<p>Official statistics confirm these missing billions. Myanmar produced more than 43 million kg of jade in fiscal year 2011/12 (April to March). Even valued at a conservative $100 per kg, it was worth $4.3 billion. But official exports of jade that year stood at only $34 million.</p>
<p>Official Chinese statistics only deepen the mystery. China doesn't publicly report how much jade it imports from Myanmar. But jade is included in official imports of precious stones and metals, which in 2012 were worth $293 million - a figure still too small to explain where billions of dollars of Myanmar jade has gone.</p>
<p>Such squandered wealth symbolizes a wider challenge in Myanmar, an impoverished country whose natural resources - including oil, timber and precious metals - have long fueled armed conflicts while enriching only powerful individuals or groups. In a rare visit to the heart of Myanmar's secretive jade-mining industry in Hpakant, Reuters found an anarchic region where soldiers and ethnic rebels clash, and where mainland Chinese traders rub shoulders with heroin-fueled "handpickers" who are routinely buried alive while scavenging for stones.</p>
<p>Myint Aung, Myanmar's Minister of Mines, did not reply to written questions from Reuters about the jade industry's missing millions and social costs.</p>
<p>Since a reformist government took office in March 2011, Myanmar has pinned its economic hopes on the resumption of foreign aid and investment. Some economists argue, however, that Myanmar's prosperity and unity may depend upon claiming more revenue from raw materials.</p>
<p>There are few reliable estimates on total jade sales that include unofficial exports. The Harvard Ash Center, which advises Myanmar's quasi-civilian government, has possibly the best numbers available.</p>
<p>After sending researchers to the area this year, the Harvard Ash Center published a report in July that put sales of Burmese jade at about $8 billion in 2011. That's more than double the country's revenue from natural gas and nearly a sixth of its 2011 GDP.</p>
<p>"Practically nothing is going to the government," David Dapice, the report's co-author, told Reuters. "What you need is a modern system of public finance in which the government collects some part of the rents from mining this stuff."</p>
<h3>HIDING STONES</h3>
<p>Chinese have prized jade for its beauty and symbolism for millennia. Many believe wearing jade jewelry brings good fortune, prosperity and longevity. It is also viewed as an investment, a major factor driving China's appetite for Burmese jade. "Gold is valuable, but jade is priceless," runs an old Chinese saying.</p>
<p>Jade is not only high value but easy to transport. "Only the stones they cannot hide go to the emporiums," said Tin Soe, 53, a jade trader in Hpakant, referring to the official auctions held in Myanmar's capital of Naypyitaw.</p>
<p>The rest is smuggled by truck to China by so-called "jockeys" through territory belonging to either the Burmese military or the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), both of whom extract tolls. The All China Jade Trade Association, a state-linked industry group based in Beijing, declined repeated requests for an interview.</p>
<p>Hpakant lies in Kachin State, a rugged region sandwiched strategically between China and India. Nowhere on Earth does jade exist in such quantity and quality. "Open the ground, let the country abound," reads the sign outside the Hpakant offices of the Ministry of Mines.</p>
<p>In fact, few places better symbolize how little Myanmar benefits from its fabulous natural wealth. The road to Hpakant has pot-holes bigger than the four-wheel-drive cars that negotiate it. During the rainy season, it can take nine hours to reach from Myitkyina, the Kachin state capital 110 km (68 miles) away.</p>
<p>Non-Burmese are rarely granted official access to Hpakant, but taxi-drivers routinely take Chinese traders there for exorbitant fees, part of which goes to dispensing bribes at police and military checkpoints. The official reason for restricting access to Hpakant is security: the Burmese military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have long vied for control of the road, which is said to be flanked with land-mines. But the restrictions also serve to reduce scrutiny of the industry's biggest players and its horrific social costs: the mass deaths of workers and some of the highest heroin addiction and HIV infection rates in Myanmar.</p>
<p>There are also "obvious" links between jade and conflict in Kachin State, said analyst Richard Horsey, a former United Nations senior official in Myanmar. A 17-year ceasefire between the military and the KIA ended when fighting erupted in June 2011. It has since displaced at least 100,000 people.</p>
<p>"Such vast revenues - in the hands of both sides - have certainly fed into the conflict, helped fund insurgency, and will be a hugely complicating factor in building a sustainable peace economy," Horsey said.</p>
<p>The United States banned imports of jade, rubies and other Burmese gemstones in 2008 in a bid to cut off revenue to the military junta which then ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma. But soaring demand from neighboring China meant the ban had little effect. After Myanmar's reformist government took power, the United States scrapped or suspended almost all economic and political sanctions - but not the ban on jade and rubies. It was renewed by the White House on August 7 in a sign that Myanmar's anarchic jade industry remains a throwback to an era of dictatorship. The U.S. Department of the Treasury included the industry in activities that "contribute to human rights abuses or undermine Burma's democratic reform process."</p>
<p>Foreign companies are not permitted to extract jade. But mining is capital intensive, and it is an open secret that most of the 20 or so largest operations in Hpakant are owned by Chinese companies or their proxies, say gem traders and other industry insiders in Kachin State. "Of course, some (profit) goes to the government," said Yup Zaw Hkawng, chairman of Jadeland Myanmar, the most prominent Kachin mining company in Hpakant. "But mostly it goes into the pockets of Chinese families and the families of the former (Burmese) government."</p>
<p>Other players include the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (UMEHL), the investment arm of the country's much-feared military, and Burmese tycoons such as Zaw Zaw, chairman of Max Myanmar, who made their fortunes collaborating with the former junta.</p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/52482ab16bb3f7e87686fd7a-1200-800/rtr3fe64.jpg" border="0" alt="myanmar jade" width="800" /><p class="source">REUTERS/Minzayar </p><p class="caption">Hand-pickers search for jade through rubble dumped by mining companies at a jade mine in Hpakant township, Kachin State July 8, 2013.</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3>THE CHINA CONNECTION</h3>
<p>Soldiers guard the big mining companies and sometimes shoot in the air to scare off small-time prospectors. "We run like crazy when we see them," said Tin Tun, the handpicker.</p>
<p>UMEHL is notoriously tight-lipped about its operations. "Stop bothering us," Major Myint Oo, chief of human resources at UMEHL's head office in downtown Yangon, told Reuters. "You can't just come in here and meet our superiors. This is a military company. Some matters must be kept secret."</p>
<p>This arrangement, whereby Chinese companies exploit natural resources with military help, is both familiar and deeply controversial in Myanmar.</p>
<p>Last year, protests outside the Letpadaung copper mine in northwest Myanmar triggered a violent police crackdown. The mine's two operators - UMEHL and Myanmar Wanbao, a unit of Chinese weapons manufacturer China North Industries Corp - shared most of the profits, leaving the government with just 4 percent. That contract was revised in July in an apparent attempt to appease public anger. The government now gets 51 percent of the profits, while UMEHL and Myanmar Wanbao get 30 and 19 percent respectively.</p>
<p>China's domination of the jade trade could feed into a wider resentment over its exploitation of Myanmar's natural wealth. A Chinese-led plan to build a $3.6 million dam at the Irrawaddy River's source in Kachin State - and send most of the power it generated to Yunnan Province - was suspended in 2011 by President Thein Sein amid popular outrage.</p>
<p>The national and local governments should also get a greater share of Kachin State's natural wealth, say analysts and activists. That includes gold, timber and hydropower, but especially jade.</p>
<p>A two-week auction held in the capital Naypyitaw in June sold a record-breaking $2.6 billion in jade and gems. But jade tax revenue in 2011 amounted to only 20 percent of the official sales. Add in all the "unofficial" sales outside of the emporium, and Harvard calculates an effective tax rate of about 7 percent on all Burmese jade.</p>
<p>It is, on the other hand, highly lucrative for the mining companies, whose estimated cost of production is $400 a ton, compared with an official sales figure of $126,000 a ton, the report said.</p>
<p>"Kachin, and by extension Myanmar, cannot be peaceful and politically stable without some equitable sharing of resource revenues with the local people," said analyst Horsey.</p>
<h3>THE PECKING ORDER</h3>
<p>At the top of the pecking order in Hpakant are cashed-up traders from China, who buy stones displayed on so-called "jade tables" in Hpakant tea-shops. The tables are run by middleman called laoban ("boss" in Chinese), who are often ethnic Chinese. They buy jade from, and sometimes employ, handpickers like Tin Tun.</p>
<p>The handpickers are at the bottom of the heap - literally. They swarm in their hundreds across mountains of rubble dumped by the mining companies. It is perilous work, especially when banks and slag heaps are destabilized by monsoon rain. Landslides routinely swallow 10 or 20 men at a time, said Too Aung, 30, a handpicker from the Kachin town of Bhamo.</p>
<p>"Sometimes we can't even dig out their bodies," he said. "We don't know where to look."</p>
<p>In 2002, at least a thousand people were killed when flood waters inundated a mine, Jadeland Myanmar chairman Yup Zaw Hkawng told Reuters. Deaths are common but routinely concealed by companies eager to avoid suspending operations, he said.</p>
<p>The boom in Hpakant's population coincided with an exponential rise in opium production in Myanmar, the world's second-largest producer after Afghanistan. Its derivative, heroin, is cheap and widely available in Kachin State, and Hpakant's workforce seems to run on it.</p>
<p>About half the handpickers use heroin, while others rely on opium or alcohol, said Tin Soe, 53, a jade trader and a local leader of the opposition National League for Democracy party. "It's very rare to find someone who doesn't do any of these," he said.</p>
<p>Official figures on heroin use in Hpakant are hard to get. The few foreign aid workers operating in the area, mostly working with drug users, declined comment for fear of upsetting relations with the Myanmar government. But health workers say privately about 40 percent of injecting drug users in Hpakant are HIV positive - twice the national average.</p>
<p>Drug use is so intrinsic to jade mining that "shooting galleries" operate openly in Hpakant, with workers often exchanging lumps of jade for hits of heroin.</p>
<p>Soe Moe, 39, came to Hpakant in 1992. Three years later, he was sniffing heroin, then injecting it. His habit now devours his earnings as a handpicker. "When I'm on (heroin), I feel happier and more energetic. I work better," he said. The shooting gallery he frequents accommodates hundreds of users. "The place is so busy it's like a festival," he said. Soe Moe said he didn't fear arrest, because the gallery owners paid off the police.</p>
<h3>MOVING MOUNTAINS</h3>
<p>Twenty years ago, Hpakant was controlled by KIA insurgents who for a modest fee granted access to small prospectors. Four people with iron picks could live off the jade harvested from a small plot of land, said Yitnang Ze Lum of the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association (MGJEA) in Myitkyina.</p>
<p>A 1994 ceasefire brought most of Hpakant back under government control, and large-scale extraction began, with hundreds of backhoes, earthmovers and trucks working around the clock. "Now even a mountain lasts only three months," said Yitnang Ze Lum.</p>
<p>Many Kachin businessmen, unable to compete in terms of capital or technology, were shut out of the industry. Non-Kachin workers poured in from across Myanmar, looking for jobs and hoping to strike it rich.</p>
<p>The mines were closed in mid-2012 when the conflict flared up again. Myanmar's military shelled suspected KIA positions; the rebels retaliated with ambushes along the Hpakant road. Thousands of people were displaced.Jade production plunged to just 19.08 million kg in the 2012/13 fiscal year from 43.1 million kg the previous year. But the government forged a preliminary ceasefire with the Kachin rebels in May, and some traders predict Hpakant's mines will re-open when the monsoon ends in October.</p>
<p>When operations are in full swing, the road to Hpakant is clogged with vehicles bringing fuel in and jade out. Such is the scale and speed of modern extraction, said Yitnang Ze Lum, Hpakant's jade could be gone within 10 years.</p>
<p>"Every Kachin feels passionately that their state's resources are being taken away," a leading Myitkyina gem trader told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "But we're powerless to stop them."</p>
<p>(Andrew R.C. Marshall reported from Myitkyina; Min Zayar Oo reported from Hpakant; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing <a></a></p>

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