Publisher's Synopsis
This delightful children's book follows the life of Maria Orosa--a pioneering woman scientist who studied food science in the United States then returned to a war-torn Philippines and created super-nutritious foods to help her nation in a time of crisis. A champion of native products in her homeland, Orosa is celebrated for her daring war exploits as well as her scientific inventions. Today she is honored and remembered for: Sneaking food into World War II internment camps concealed in hollow tubes of bamboo Working as an undercover agent in the underground forces fighting the Japanese occupation Developing new ways to preserve seasonal products in a time of grave food shortages, including making vinegar from pineapples, flour from cassava and ketchup from bananas--ingredients and condiment that are all now staples on Filipino tables Transforming vitamin-rich rice bran, previously a waste product, into tasty disease-preventing desserts Organizing rural-improvement clubs, inventing the palayok or clay oven and developing delicious recipes for coconuts, soybeans and a range of native plants, vegetables and herbs
