CHAPTER XV.
TUBERS.
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Pro- Carbohy- Calories
Water tein Fat drates Ash per lb.
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Potato………… 78.3 2.2 0.1 18.0 1.0 375
Sweet potato…… 51.9 3.0 2.1 42.1 .9 925
Jerusalem artichoke. 78.7 2.5 0.2 17.5 1.1
The two tubers that are of chief interest are the Irish potato and the sweet potato. The former is easily and cheaply grown on vast areas of land and therefore forms a large part of the food of many people. Properly prepared it is easily digested and very nourishing.
The sweet potato is a richer food than the Irish potato, but on account of its high sugar contents people soon weary of it. The southern negroes are very fond of this food.
Like all other starches, potatoes must be thoroughly masticated, or they will disagree in time. Potatoes are of such consistency that they are easily bolted without proper mouth preparation. In time the digestive organs object.
A new tuber is receiving considerable attention. It is the dasheen. It is said to be of very agreeable flavor, mealy after cooking, and produces tops that can be used in the same manner as asparagus. The dasheen requires a rather warm climate for its growth.