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Fruit (HE old saying an apple a day)

HE old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," had a better foundation than the people who originated its triteness realized, for only by very recent experimentation has it been found what an important place fruit has in the diet, not only for bulk or roughage, but for the mineral substances and vitamins so essential to health. The juices of lemons, oranges and grape fruit are particularly rich sources of vitamins.

So from those who advocate a diet of cereals, fruits, and nuts to those who enjoy three "square" meals a day, people are coming more and more to realize the importance of fruit in the daily meal. In general it may be said that fruits are wholesome, palatable, and attractive additions to the menu. Fresh fruits, of course, are largely composed of water; but dried fruits and many preserves are much more concentrated, comparing favorably with cereals and dried vegetable foods. Fruits contain carbohydrates, considerable mineral matter and acid, and when eaten raw do much to stimulate a sluggish digestion.

Several methods of preparing fruit for the table will be discussed in this chapter and others will be found in the chapters on "Appetizers," "Puddings and Desserts," "Salads," and "Canning and Preserving."