DIETETIC VALUE OF FRUITS. 3 II 



method of handling" (encasing in oiled paper and in paper boxes) 

 such dried fruits as figs, raisins, currants, etc., adds to the expense 

 of the article and excludes much of the dust and dirt of the street 

 which was formerly a fruitful source of contamination. 



As to medicinal value, fruits are generally conceded to be laxa- 

 tive and are for this reason beneficial to the system. They probably 

 owe this property to the large amount of water present, to salts in 

 solution and to the crude fiber, small seeds and other indigestible 

 material which they contain. A few fruits, the pineapple among 

 them, contain active ferments and are sometimes, for this reason, 

 recommended to be eaten at the end of a meal as an aid to digestion. 

 This is a doubtful good. The ofBce of such foods is to so strengthen 

 nature that she may do her work properly and well and not to act as 

 artificial ferments. 



Fruits are such attractive as well as wholesome and digestible 

 food materials that they should be used as a legitimate part of a well 

 balanced diet. They please the eye, sharpen the appetite and, in some 

 cases at least, aid digestion. 



Although strawberries cause distress when eaten raw by some 

 people, and all acid fruits must be avoided by others, it does not 

 necessarily follow that these fruits are generally indigestible. Such 

 cases should be rgarded as due to personal idiosyncracies. 



Let all who can enjoy the beauty, flavor and wholesomeness of 

 fruit, which is one of our most attractive and delicious food materials. 

 Every one should encourage the home culture and use of such 

 fruits as can be grown in Minnesota and especially the apple, which, 

 like bread, never palls on the palate. It can be prepared in such a 

 variety of ways that when the apple is in season little other fruit is 

 needed. It may be baked, coddled, glazed, buttered, jellied, made 

 into pudding, fritters and dumplings and many other dishes, but is 

 considered to have reached the climax when made into pie. 

 Why is it no one ever tries 

 To learn who first made apple pies ; 

 What beautiful woman and just, 

 First rolled and pinched and cut the crust, 

 And that all people her might bless 

 Filled it with pungent happiness. 



