Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-10-08
HOW PORTO RICO FEEDS HERSELF-By Frederic ]. Haskin

stalled and excellent results obtained in the making
of -four from yautia and batata. Sun-drying is i'm
possible account of the large amount OF mois-
in the air, but air currents artifcially heated
and propelled by electric fans brought results. The
vegetable dries in six to ten hours depending
upon the uniformity with which it is sliced Four
pounds of yautia will make and one-half pounds
of flour when dried. This -four gives slight tan
color to batters and doughs, and combines excel
lently with cornmeal in the making of mullins and
cornbread, serving to keep the cornbread moist
for several days. instead of letting it dry and crum
bic as when meal alone is used.
The of cornmeal as a substitute has been
extended. Prior to the war, what was used was
imported and in small towns it was available per-
haps once month, only when smaller grower
ground it. Twenty-four recipes have been distrib-
uted, and its use is general not only in bread,
but a substitute in pie crust.
AS to fats, the problem of the Porto Ricans was
not substitution, but replacement. Butter has not
been carried by local stores since November. The
price of lard is prohibitive to poor people. Other
substitutes the American market are not avail
able. There choice; new fats must be
found. LEGAL supplies were therefore, studied.
Cocoanut butter made by churning the
nut milk by the process used to produce
creamery butter. This is used on breads and vege-
tables Ccoanut oil is used for frying, and cocoa
milk to provide the fat in boiled and scalloped
dishes. The cocoanut milk is extracted and bottled
in the schools. In the rural districts, cocoanut
milk is being used in coffee.
The use of aguacates, known in the United
States as alligator pears and the native cocoa in
chocolate were encouraged because of the fat con-
tents of these products.
Like other people intent saving meat for the
allies Porto Ricans have learned to and
more fish, Fortunately their coastal waters abound
with good varieties that Porto Ricans had forgot
ten how to catch and to enjoy. special campaign
pointed out the value of fish in diet, and brought
forth large catches. Porto Rico also produces
beans, peas and peanuts and their planting has been
stimulated
Sugar cane abounds in Porto Rico and so, mere
ly to feed herself if cut loose from American COM
merce, she need not economic it. But here she
practices the sacrifice of self for the allies which
makes America deny herself wheat -four Candies
are eliminated and fresh fruits used sweets.
In order that Porto Rico may become really
self-supportng, she must not only learn to use
her products, but she must increase her crops.
So there, here, the Liberty garden has, been
popular. Flower gardens have been plowed up
and put in beans and gandulas; vegetable gardens
have been enlarged, and when land not avail
able, five gallon oil have been cut in half
lengthwise and laid end to end around the patio
and filled with earth -
The years program ended with Conservation
and Liberty campaign. Studies of certain topics
during the day in the schools were followed at
night by speeches the plaza and at the moving
picture shows On Friday the subject Make
Porto Rico Self-Supporting to Food" Satur-
day Loyalty day with a conservation parade
and the signing of pledges by those who had not
already done