Connecticut western news., 1892-11-24
NEW USES FOR THE BANANA.

"The Lord will provide" When, in the process of time, wood became scarce then man was permitted to dis. cover the coal mines which The Lord had provided for mans use as fuel When whale oil for light became scarce, then petroleum was discovered; anu later on the electric light. We might cite numberless similar instances of the Lords wise and loving provision for mans necessities. When one variety of food becomes scarce the Lord provides another variety. A new article of food has just been discovered, and its inn portance outranks rice, corn, oats, ,pota- toes or meats. This new article of food IS the banana. and its importance is de- scribed as follows by contributor to the Deep River Conn., New Era:
 The banana is destined at no far day to become one of the most important articles of food. not only for the dwellers in tropical climes, but also for the people of all nations. Scientific minds are al- ways discovering something new and useful for the benefit of mankind, and 1t is particularly so in regard to recent dis coveries of the wonderful properties of the banana as an article from which can be derived "perfect food, to say noth- ing of it's numerous other desirable uses. After years of careful experimental re- search and investigation, it is now proved beyond doubt, that the feeding power of the banana far exceeds that of rice, corn, oats, potatoes or meats.
 A plantation of g acres planted in ba- nanas, after the first year and half of cultivation, will furnish nourishmen ent for 5000 persons, for one year, when made into banana meal. While 22 acres of land planted with potatoes will feed only 176 people for one year. The same quantity of land planted in oats yields food for 88 persons for one year. Corn ] and rice the same. These figures are based upon the most authentic calcula- tions of we'll known scientists.
 Owing to the tariff question, the ba- mana meal Is not at present manufsct- ured in this country, but no doubt will be, shortly or at least will be introduced three com pauies which are now operating the patents of the original inventor and discoveror of the various kinds of banana foods. The inventor, who is an Amerl. can citizen residing in New York city, was touched by the cry of hunger and famine in some of the tropical countries, and knowing that many millions of bs nanas lay wasting at their very doors, has thus endeavored to alleviate theil distress by converting this delicious fruit tor vegetable) into healthful food
 The writer of this has been so fortu, nate as to have tested banana meal, and found it not only very delicious. but also felt after eating it that hearty and solid meal had been partaken of, without the least desire for any other variety of food It is very rich and nutritious, and i, quickly and easily prepared for the table In tropical countries bread is made o the banana meal, (which, by the way, i, made of the unripe fruit and is much used by the inhabitants.
 When manufactured in this country it is hoped that it can be furnished a prices within the reach of all, at it is particularly healthful and wholesome food, and we trust that our tables car then be abundantly supplied. There art several articles which can be manufsct ured from the banana, viz. Starch. elu cose, grape sugar, indelible ink (from tn. juice of the skin). vinegar, etc, etc The skin of the fruis is also quite valua ble, as it produces beautiful fiber from which durable and fiue cloth can b, manufactured. The skin has also beeI used successfully for healing purposes
 would like to speak more in detai | of these things, but my principal reason for writing this article Is to present few facts concerning banana meal to th, minds of the people, hoping that il time the article itself may be introduced into our families.