Extensive Research

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 117, 20 May 1942, Page 7

Extensive Research

All this has involved a great deal of research. Vegetables differ in their reaction to canning. The linings of the tins must be varied to suit the vegetables to be preserved. The same vegetables grown in different climatic conditions require different treatment.

Researches have also been made into dehydration of foods. Cabbage, onions, carrots, parsnips and potatoes have been preserved and carried with their weight reduced in the ratio of one to 20. as compared with their natural form. Dessicating methods are now so thorough that 35 sheep can be boiled down for packing in one gasoline drum—without loss of the vitamin and calorie content. The edibility is restored by merely the addition of boiling water. Australia is also investigating sea food resources previously unexploited. It is estimated that the destruction of fish offal has lost the Commonwealth 50,000 gallons of fish oil each year, v. orth £35,000. Treatment plants to secure this oil are to be erected.

Food Value of Shark Oil The food value of shark oil is now recognised. Oil is even being added to margarine used for Commonwealth troops. The oil resources of the shark industry, with the addition of certain vitamins, are expected to supply all Australia's needs for stock foods.

After 18 months' research a Sydney firm is now undertaking the commercial production of agar dashagar, a jelling substance widely used for food canning. Supplies made from seaweed previously came from Japan and the Philippines. Australian-made agar is held to have qualities superior to the imported article.

Several effective substitutes have been found for canned salmon, principally mackerel, kingfish, mullet and salmon, now unprocurable on the formerly used basis, and all Australian fish pastes. Experiments have also been made in fortifying and enriching foods. This is increasing some valuable nutritive constituent already in the food. For instance, jam sent to prisoners of war in Germany is enriched by the addition of an anti-scorbutic vitamin which compensates for lack of green vegetables.

Backyard Gardens Important

Most important is cultivation of backyard vegetable gardens, which is held to be a key problem in Australia's food supplies. A campaign is now under way to ensure wider household planting of vegetables as well as their correct preparation for consumption. In peace the wastage of food values and incorrect preparation methods were regarded as unfortunate. Now they have become a matter of national importance. A nation-wide publicity drive has been launched to ensure that no food values are wasted. Housewives have been advised to "eat what you can raw. Steam what you must cook, and if you must boil some things, save the water for soup stock. Use the tops of vegetables. Even carrot and parsnip tops are good for soup. Before you throw away any food be sure it can't be used."

Even soldiers in suitable camps are to have their own vegetable gardens.