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The Oak tree is well-known for its strength and hardness and has long been used to erect buildings and ships in Europe. Today, it is still highly preferred as a component in furniture making, with its unique and special grain markings. Oak desks, bed frames, and cabinets are the most commercialized form of oak timber. And they are widely distributed around the world, fetching prices between $500 to $1000 dollars, depending on size. However, oak wood is also utilized in the production of veneer, as well as smoke chips, flooring and barrels – which makes it directly involved in the aging of wines, sherry and spirits. Japanese oak is particularly utilized to make professional drums and oak bark is identified as a main ingredient in producing wine stoppers, roof shingles as well as tanning leather. But not all oak trees are recognized to be well-suited for any of the uses pointed out. In the 600 species acknowledged, only a handful are said to be applicable as building material. American oak, for example, contributes greater texture and resistance to aging, which makes them excellent for furniture manufacturing. But they are not recommended for aging wines because they produce a stronger taste. Usually, French oaks are preferred since they give the wine more refinement, thereby increasing their prices. Cork oaks, which are grown in Portugal, Morocco, Spain and Algeria, are the ones commonly harvested to make stoppers. Whereas Red oaks, a subclass of North American oaks, are used only for indoor purposes since its open capillaries may make it susceptible to environmental deterioration and fungus infestation. Now, it’s not only oak wood and bark that is found to have a significant contribution to human existence. Even acorns are utilized for making flour and roasted coffee. However, they have been identified to be poisonous to livestock, due to the toxic tannic acid. In large amounts, this can cause kidney damage and gastroenteritis, which is marked by depression, lack of appetite, constipation, bloody diarrhea and urine as well as colic pain. But with tannin leaching observed during the production process, humans are able to consumer the product without fear of adverse effects. Only squirrels and jay are known to have a strong resistance to tannin toxicity as acorns are staple part of their daily diet. Symbolically, the oak is also applied in many ways by different countries, and has received reverence in warfare, religion and governance. Places such as Wales, Serbia, Moldova, Latvia, Germany, Poland and the U.S., for example, claim it as their national tree. And the United States Armed Forces use it to denote ranking and office. In Greek mythology, the oak tree was directly identified with Zeus. While in Baltic, it was attributed to Perkons, the god of thunder. This stood similar to Norse mythology, where the oak was deemed sacred to Thor, also the god of thunder. And record has it that Christianisation was symbolized by the replacement of the oak tree by the fir. History aside, there is no question that the oak has and will remain to be an important part of our lives. From the oak desks we use to the oak-aged scotch we drink, it is clear that this plant is a valuable and indispensable commodity – which leads us to question whether or not we do everything in our power to preserve its lineage. But that is another topic for another time. Right now, it is enough that we show appreciation for it. For more information about oak desks visit our website http://www.oakdesks.org.uk.
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