CHEESE IN THE HOUSEHOLD 365 



by the presence of calcium (lime), magnesium, phosphorus 

 and iron, the average values as given in earlier bulletins 

 of the department : being 1.24 per cent calcium oxid, 

 0.049 per cent magnesium oxid, 1.49 per cent phosphorus 

 pentoxid, and 0.0015 per cent iron." 



It is clear from the calculations shown in the last column, 

 that Cheddar cheese takes first rank among the foods 

 compared as to fuel value. The estimate of food values 

 in terms of calories may not completely express the value 

 of that food to a particular individual. It is generally 

 conceded that one great function of food is the production 

 of energy and this function is probably more closely 

 determined by the number of calories produced than in 

 any other known way. Such calculation has become an 

 essential factor in the preparation of dietaries. The 

 calculation here given necessarily applies only to Cheddar 

 cheese. By easy use of the last column, the caloric value 

 of this cheese can be compared with that of any competing 

 food and the relative economy determined, whatever the 

 price asked. Another recent calculation with reference 2 

 to the same cheese follows : 



" One pound of American Cheddar cheese contains as 

 much protein as 



1.57 pounds of sirloin steak. 

 1.35 pounds of round steak. 

 1.89 pounds of fowl. 

 1.79 pounds of smoked ham. 

 1.81 pounds of fresh ham. 



" In order to judge the value of foods fairly not only the 

 protein but the energy also must be compared. To supply 



1 Doane, C. F., and H. W. Lawson, Varieties of cheese, U. S. 

 Dept. Agr. Bur. An. Ind. Bui. 146. 



2 U. S. Dept. Agr. Bur. An. Ind., Dairy Div. A. I. 21, 1917. 



