DRIED FOODS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 83, 9 April 1942, Page 7

DRIED FOODS

NX'S WARTIME TRADE

Prospects Of Large Market

In Britain

United Press Association.—Copyright. Special Correspondent. Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, April 8. The latest development in the production and use of dried foodstuffs in Britain is of the greatest interest and importance to New Zealand, in view of the vital necessity of saving shipping space and weight. It is now proved that dried meat, butter, vegetables and soup are eminently satisfactory for the widest consumption. New Zealand's dried butterfat has been particularly well received in England, and many people have praised it, including Lady Woolton. wife of the Minister of Food, who pronounces it "excellent." The Ministry is so impressed that there are prospects of it placing large contracts with New Zealand in the near future, since it is understood here that a plant capable of producing 10,000 tons annually is now being built in the Dominion. Authorities stated that New Zealand dried butterfat contains a high vitamin A and carotene content. Tt also has a high nutritive and gastronomic value. Important advantages are that it can be carried in unrefrigerated space. It has a long keeping life and can be reconstituted commercially, or by housewives, or used without reconstltution as spreads, or for cooking. Shortage of Vitamin A The shortage of supply of vitamin A in the United Kingdom gives it an additional attraction. It is obvious that if dried butterfat develops on large scale production it will facilitate the disposal of New Zealand produce. It is regarded here 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 placed an order for 25.000 tons in January. There is also the greatest interest here in dried cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Tests now proved their palatability and their appearance 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.