Mazdaznan encyclopedia of dietetics and home cook book

Perfectly ripe and of good quality, are wholesome in moderate quantities; if eaten green, form a subject for another "Tale of Woe." The fuzzy skin should be removed from a peach before eating; if taken into the stomach, it often causes convulsions and great distress. Peach kernels contain hydrocyanic acid (a deadly poison) in a very weak solution, and if eaten in quantities, produce deleterious effects. The kernel of the plum, cherry, apricot, nectarine and bitter almonds also contain poisonous properties and should not be eaten. GRAPES Were of the earth when it was young and drank its glories from the gates of Paradise. No fruit has more excellent food values than the grape. From time immemorial it has graced the tables of the rich and poor alike, and furnished them with wine unequaled by the nectar of the gods. Bread and wine are still the chief articles of diet of many who live in the Orient. The salts and acids which this fruit contains enrich the blood and do much to keep it in a state of purity. The seeds and rind are indigestible and should not be eaten. A glass of wine taken at each meal instead of coffee or tea would ''open wide the portals of the mind and let the light of reason in." In speaking of wine, the unfermented grape juice is meant ; that which has been impregnated with ferment is not a food, though, in some cases, it may be used as a medicine. From the infinite variety of grapes, choice may be made to suit any taste. Avoid the variety known as the "Catawba ;" they are poisonous to many persons. PEARS, In most cases, have a woody fiber, which is indigestible. Those varieties which are juicy and tender, and which are not grainy, may be eaten occasionally to advantage. The chief values are in the juices, which contain organized mineral salts, such as iron and sodium, also phosphorus, etc. PLUMS Contain an acid which is injurious to the digestive organs of many persons, and should not be eaten when deleterious effects are noticed. Prunes are a very nutritious fruit and should be eaten whenever desired. They afford the highest nerve and brain food, supply heat and waste, but are not muscle feeding. In all instances when dried prunes are used, pour off the first water after cooking ten minutes; add fresh boiling water to cover and boil six to eight hours. This makes them tender and very delicious. In all cases the first water should be removed, as it carries away the sulphur and alkali used during the process of drying and preparing for the market. POMEGRANATES Though indigenous to the Orient, are successfully grown in the warmer portions of the United States. They are very delicious, though they contain no known medicinal properties. RASPBERRIES, Like blackberries, should be used only for making wines and jellies. The seeds and pulp affect the digestive organs in such a way as to cause great distress. They should not, in any case, be given to invalids or convalescents. The juice is very refreshing and may be freely used. STRAWBERRIES Are very beneficial, and make their appearance in the spring and early summer in time to be of great value as a blood purifier. They should be freely eaten, but well masticated to reduce the seeds which might, in some instances, cause distress to the stomach. Strawberries are rich in iron. PINEAPPLES