66 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



solid part, is a stringy, white, fibrous substance that 

 does not add to the flavor and is especially indigestible. 

 Some who have not been able to digest bananas 

 readily with this covering unremoved, find that when 

 it is scraped off, the difficulty is greatly lessened. 

 Apples, as a rule, are not difficult to digest and are 

 prized for their beneficial effects. Baked apples are 

 usually very easily digested. For many, oranges 

 are excellent, because of their refreshing acid and ease 

 of digestion. 



Raspberries have comparatively little juice, and as 

 their seeds may irritate the intestines, some people 

 find it best not to eat them. Both green and decayed 

 fruits are unwholesome and should not be eaten, as 

 they are likely to cause serious sickness. For a similar 

 reason, factory-prepared jellies and jams should be 

 avoided, unless the makers are known to be reliable, 

 as unwholesome fruits are said to be used in their 

 manufacture. Although the digestibility of some 

 fruits, notably apples, is improved by cooking, stewed 

 or canned fruits are not as beneficial as fruit in the 

 fresh state, for, as a rule, their acids have been 

 changed, and the large amount of sugar usually added 

 increases the difficulty of digestion. 



Like legumes, fruits contain a much larger portion 

 of nutritive material when dried than when fresh. 

 Dried figs, dates, prunes, and grapes (raisins) are com- 

 paratively rich in food value, and, when freed from 

 the skins and seeds, are not indigestible. Prunes, after 



