HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 February 1942, Page 4

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

THE BLACK CURRANT WAY. SOURCE OF VITAMIN C. (By the Health Department.) If you have a black currant bush in your garden, look after it, treat -it with respect; You’re going to need it. Oranges from overseas are likely to be in short supply, which means that an important supply of Vitamin C for our babies is going to be short. And so we will be obliged' to fall back on the too-often neglected black currant, which, in spite of its menial position among the fruits, is one of the most important. The little black berry is packed full of nourishment. As a source of Vitamin C it is three or four times as rich as the orange, and it is one of the comparatively few sources of this vitamin that can be given to babies without upsetting results. Experiments have been carried out in preserving the fruit, and at the same time retaining the maximum vitamin content. The following procedure is advised as the most effective for preserving purposes: If syrup is to be used, prepare the syrup first, using three cups of sugar to four cups of water. Boil. Choose Ismail jars (the fruit juice will _ thus be used more quickly once the jar is opened) and fill with sound, ripe fruit. Stand the jars in a saucepan or preserving pan containing hot water, and carefully pour either syrup op hot water, as hot as the jars will stand, over the fruit. Bring to the boil as quickly as possible. Put the lids on loosely, and keep the outside water jacket boiling for 20 minutes to half-an-hour. Then screw the lids down tightly, and store in a dark, cool cupboard. If a dark cupboard is not available, tie brown paper round the jars. As the jars stand the Vitamin C diffuses out of the fruit, and after some time the liquid is as rich in vitamin content as the fruit.

When the juice and puree are used for babies, the juice may be used first, and then the fruit may be squeezed through a cloth. Avoid using a metal spoon or strainer. Remember, too, that exposure to oxygen destroys Vitamin C.