ORANGE SHORTAGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1942, Page 4

ORANGE SHORTAGE

SUPPLY OF VITAMIN C FOR BABIES. USE OF TOMATO JUICE. As a source of Vitamin C for babies, tomato juice will largely have to supplant orange juice, if expectations of a big drop in the orange supply this year are fulfilled. The Internal Marketing Department has warned that a shortage is likely, and, acting on this, the Department of Health has issued a statement, which is of particular value to mothers and expectant mothers, dealing with the preparation and use of tomato juice. Tomato juice has half the strength of orange juice. Babies may be upset if they are given twice as much tomato juice as orange juice. To minimise this, use firm and ripe—not over-ripe tomatoes, and start baby with a small dose, such as a teaspoonful, and gradually work, up to larger doses. Those babies who cannot take raw tomato juice will

probably take to it better cooked. Fortunately, the Vitamin C content of tomatoes is not readly destroyed by cooking, if cooked in an unchipped enamel or aluminium saucepan. Don’t use anything with copper in it. The juice should not be diluted with water. There are two excellent methods of preserving tomatoes. First method: Scald the tomatoes a few at a time in boiling water from a half to two minutes; chill in cold water, and peel; pack into clean jars, pressing down firmly; fill jars to within -jin. of the ton with boiling tomato juice; if desired, one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon to one tablespoon of sugar per quart may be added; immerse thenars in hot water, with lids lightly applied, bring to boil, and boil 30 minutes; screw down lids immediately. Second method: Clean jars, lids and rubbers by boiling for 20 minutes; peel tomatoes, season as above, if desired; boil in enamel or aluminium saucepan for six to ten minutes; ladle with a cup into the hot jars to overflowing; apply tops immediately, and screw down tightly. The Department urges the presrevation of as many tomatoes as possible this season, and suggests the use of small jars, which can be used up quickly.