The dietetic value of fruits lies in the fruit sugar, mineral salts, and organic acids which they contain. Fruits are body regulators.

Fruit sugar or carbohydrates are the chief sources of fuel value in fruit. Most fruits also contain the substance which is necessary for jelly making. A fruit which does not contain pectin, such as pears and pineapple, must be combined with some fruit containing pectin. Apples, grapes, and currants contain great quantities of pectin.

Fresh fruit eaten the first thing in the morning acts as a cleanser. Care must be taken in the selection of fruit, it should be ripe, but not overripe. If overripe, it is liable to cause fermentation in the alimentary tract.

Science has perfected the drying process to such a degree that dried fruit has become a great convenience when the fresh product is not obtainable.

Because it is impossible to wholly consume all fruits at the harvesting time, great quantities are canned for later consumption. To retain the highest natural flavor and full fruit sugar value, it is necessary to can fruits and vegetables just as they ripen and immediately after picking. Commercial canning of fruits has reached such a high degree of excellence that the average home manager prefers to buy a reliable brand she knows to be uniform, rather than run the risk of having fruits spoil that she uses her own time and material to “put up.”

The wide variety of fruits on the market under reliable brand names makes it possible to serve practically any fruit at any season. Even the special types of fruits may be purchased canned, as Royal Anne Cherries, Muscat Grapes, Bartlett Pears, Egg Plums, etc.

The Fruits to Serve with Various Meats

All fruits combine in fruit salads, cocktails, ices.

VEGETABLES

Vegetables contain a large amount of water, cellulose, and mineral matter. They are included under the classification of carbohydrates, or mineral salts according to the predominance of starch or mineral matter. Leafy vegetables are rich in vitamines.

The mineral salts afford bone building material, while the large amount of cellulose which they contain furnishes bulk in the diet.

Canned vegetables are preserved by sterilization. Salt is used to bring out the flavor, acts as a preservative, and increases the mineral content.

Dried vegetables are being used in soups and ragouts. The dried vegetables have not yet reached as extensive use as have the dried fruits.

Commercially canned vegetables add year round variety to practically every American table. The selection of a reliable brand simplifies the marketing.

The Vegetables to Serve with Various Meats

Tomatoes—Broiled Steak, Lamb Chops. Asparagus—Planked Steak, Roast Beef, Lamb Chops, Veal Chops. Spinach—Ham, Tongue, all meats, eggs, fish. Peas—Lamb Chops, Chicken, Meat croquettes. String Beans—Ham, Boiled Lamb, Chicken. Okra—Chicken, Tuna, Ham. Celery—Cheese Dishes.

Mince Meat nearly conforms to the requisites of a perfect food. It contains protein from the meat content, carbohydrates, both sugar and starch in the form of fruits, and moisture. Spices and flavoring make it complete. Its fuel value is considerable. It should not merely be used as a holiday food, but as an all year round product.

Mince meat contains only the best and most wholesome ingredients. On the market are two varieties, the condensed and moist. Moist mince meat requires more attention because of its aptness to ferment. In making it, green apples and fresh cider are used. As cider makes vinegar and raisins and currants make wine, fermentation is possible. This does not mean that the mince meat is no longer good. The alcohol formed acts as a preservative.

Concentrated mince meat contains dried apples and boiled cider. In this respect only does it differ from moist mince meat. By the addition of water, the condensed becomes equal to moist. Condensing is done merely to aid in packing and delivery.

VARIETY OF USES

Pie Patties, Brown Bread and Mince Meat Sandwich, Pudding, Tomato stuffed with Mince Meat, Mince Meat Salad, Mince Meat Relish, Mince Meat Cookies.