"FORCED" FRUIT.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3033, 4 November 1878, Page 4

"FORCED" FRUIT.

Apart from the economic fact that forced fruit is costly, in excess of common prudence, for producers as well as consumers, there is the circumstance that not one tithe of the rubbish sold under this designation fit, for food. The immature droppings of the trees and bushes, cunningly prepared by being allowed to half rot, instead of ripen, in a high temperature, do duty for fruit supposed to have been " forced." Fabulous prices are paid for this commodity, just as the small potatoes and early peas of one season are preserved and sold as the earlier produce of the next. These tricks of the trade, however, thrown out of the account, it is a great mistake to eat fruit or vegetables which are not thoroughly matured. Not only is the true flavour undeveloped, its nutritious and therefore digestible properties are wanting, and the organism of the gourmet is taxed to dispose harmlessly of food which fails to convey nutriment, while it distends and overloads. A passing protest against the practice of eating what are called "early strawberries and gooseberries, and peas and beans, grown under articial conditions is not unneeded, and it will be well for many delicate feeders if they give the warning timely heed.— Lancet.