Articles
A Perspective On Nutritional Limitations Of Amaranth
There is no doubt, based on the content of nutrients, that amaranth seed and leaves are exceptionally nutritious. Amounts of vitamin C, iron, carotene, calcium, folic acid and protein are especially high in the leaves. There are reports that the incidence of blindness in children due to poor nutrition has been reduced with the use of 50 to 100 g of amaranth leaves per day. On a dry weight basis, the protein content of the leaves is about 30%. Amaranth seeds have more protein than many grains (15%) and this protein is high in the amino acid lysine that is usually low in cereals, and sulfur-containing amino acids that are usually low in legumes. Based only on an analysis of those nutrients that are present, amaranth would seem to be almost a "miracle food."
Preparation Of Diffusion Processed Sweet Potato At Home
Dr. Frank Martin is a research specialist in sweet potato breeding. He writes, "A persistent nagging question is why people don't eat and don't want to eat more sweet potatoes. We believe this is due to sweetness itself, as well as flavors and textures that are not liked. We developed a new product that anyone can make in his house that is less sweet, of more agreeable texture, and of better flavor than most sweet potatoes. People who don't like sweet potatoes do like our product. Please try this recipe in your kitchen and let us know what you think: (1) Peel the sweet potato and eliminate any bad spots. (2) Cut very carefully into slices about 1/8" (3mm) thick. (3) Cover the slices with water. Leave for two hours, moving slices 3-4 times so that all sides are exposed to the water. (4) Discard the water and rinse. (5) Boil 20 minutes. (6) Discard the water. (7) Mash. At this time salt, milk or margarine can be added. (8) Serve mixed with mayonnaise or salad dressings, with beans or bean sauce, with meats or gravy, or mixed into soups. It can also be molded into patties and fried. The product is best used fresh, and should not be stored for long periods."
Use Of "Wick" Suggested To Preserve Untreated Poles
Living Off the Land is a "subtropic newsletter" which features one plant (usually a fruit) each issue, including recipes. We have a complete set of back issues in our library. I have had several occasions to refer to them and find them quite helpful. It is oriented primarily to Florida readers, so do not expect all of each 6 page issue to be relevant to your situation.
Sanitation Without Water
Pete Ekstrand in Zaire alerted us to the book by that title, available free from the Swedish International Development Authority, Health Division U-B Segersky/asn, S-105 25 Stockholm, SWEDEN. The 133 page book is divided into three parts. Part I discusses various aspects of sanitation and disease and the use of composting to control disease. In part II, water-less sanitation systems that are in use in 10 Third World and three western nations are considered. Each discussion includes a description, a diagram and brief outline of advantages and disadvantages. Part III gives a detailed discussion of latrine components and construction and operating instructions. The appendix discusses various methods of fly control. The book is very liberally illustrated with drawings and diagrams.
How Great Is The Danger That Rabbits Might Escape From Your Project And "Create Another Australia"?
I asked this question of Fremont Regier in Botswana after he had been so kind as to answer questions reported in the last issue of EDN. His reply follows: "I've heard this argument before but I believe it is a rather ridiculous one. The problem in Australia was caused by the introduction of wild rabbits, not of domestic rabbits.
Quinoa Seed
Quinoa, (Chenopodium quinoa) Wild., was a staple of the ancient Incas and is still an important grain crop in Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.
Tropical Lettuce
Dr. Frank Martin gave us our initial start on a tropical lettuce, Latuca indica, also called Indian lettuce. This has grown well in both the hot, wet summer and the colder winter of southern Florida. During the summer it grows to about 8 feet high.