DRIED FOODSTUFFS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1942, Page 4

DRIED FOODSTUFFS

EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND VALUED AND APPRECIATED IN BRITAIN. SCOPE FOR EXPANSION. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 8. The latest developments in the production and use of dried foodstuffs in Britain a're of very great importance to New Zealand in view iof the vital necessity' of saving shipping space and weight. It is now proved that dried meat, butter, vegetables and soups are eminently satisfactory for very wide consumption. New Zealand’s dried butterfat is particularly well received in England. Many people have praised it, including Lady Woolton, the Food Minister’s wife, who pronounced it “excellent.” The Ministry is so impressed that there are prospects of its placing large contracts with New Zealand in the near future, since it is understood here that a plant’ capable of producing ten thousand tons annually is now being built in the Dominion. Authorities stated that New Zealand dried butterfat contains a high vitamin A and carotene content and is also of high nutritive and gastronomic value'. Important advantages are that it can be carried in unre’frigerated space, has a long keeping life and can be reconstituted commercially or by, housewives, or used without reconstitution, as spreads or for cooking. The shortage of supply of Vitamin A in the United Kingdom gives it additional attraction. It is obvious that if dried butterfat develops in large-scale production, it will facilitate the disposal of New Zealand produce. It is regarded here as at least as good as rationed butter. New Zealand has also an excellent outlet for dried meat. It will be remembered that the Ministry of Food nlaced an order for 25,000 tons in January. There is also very great interest here in dried cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Tests have proved that their palatability and annearance equals that of fresh vegetables, with the additional advantage of a higher vitamin content, the retention of which is assured by special processing. Dried soups are also produced successfully. It is understood that the Services have already placed large orders for dried vegetables and soups.