I came across what can only be described as an eccentric book in an untidy and interesting little bookshop on the south coast. Published in 1925, “Fruit and Health” cost 3d – i.e. 3 pennies, next to nothing in today’s money. It was written by Haydn Brown and Mary R. Loveridge and some of its advice seems now quite preposterous, and actually wrong, although of course, we’re all advised to have more fruit and vegetables in our diets.
An example of the preposterous is “Pure blood is the chief preventive of disease. The eating of fruit is the best of blood purifiers and preventatives of worry. Stimulating non-fruit leads to an agitated temperament and conduces diseases, to the drinking of stimulants, and therefore it provokes crime.” There are, however some delicious recipes, and the idea of having plenty and varied fruit in the diet is of course recommended! Orange tartlets sound nice, and easy to make, a summer fruit pudding with suggestions of blackberries and apple, or blackcurrants and apple, or one which appeals to me if you could find them – loganberries and apple! I’m not sure I would fancy Piquante Potato Pie with cold pork, onions, apple, mashed potato and gravy, or Liver and Bacon Hot Pot with pig’s liver, streaky bacon, apples and onions, but I could imagine sausages served with thick slices of apple, bread-crumbed and deep-fried. I don’t think I will try it somehow – maybe it will appear in one of my stories, served in an unusual guesthouse for breakfast!
Lois Elsden 