Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 22, 1995 TAG: 9502230037
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Norbert Rillieux simplified and improved the sugar refining process, transforming sugar from a luxury item to a common kitchen ingredient. Only small modifications have been made on the process, hailed as one of the greatest innovations in the history of chemical engineering, since its invention in 1846.
Frederick McKinley Jones, in the late 1930s, invented the first practical refrigerator for long-haul trucks, trains and ships. This made possible wide distribution of perishable foods and created international food markets.
Lloyd Augustus Hall revolutionized the meat packing industry in the first half of the 20th century with his improvements in processing and preserving meats. He also developed sterilization techniques for food and spices, contributing significantly to their everyday use in American cooking.
Henry Blair's invention of the corn planter in 1834 led to increased crop yields that revolutionized the corn industry. His planter was activated by a trip wire and placed seeds in a checkerboard grid. This controlled weeds by making tilling easier for farmers. His invention paved the way for the increased use of grits in the 19th century.
George Washington Carver was instrumental in introducing soil-enriching crops like peanuts and soy beans to the South to reduce its dependence on cotton. This legendary experimenter, teacher and lecturer at the Tuskegee Institute is famed for developing derivative products of peanuts, but he also developed derivatives for sweet potatoes, pecans and Southern clay.
- PORK INFORMATION BUREAU
by CNB