Gunny sack
A gunny sack is an inexpensive bag made of burlap, also known as a 'gunny shoe'. Gunny sacks are traditionally used for transporting grains, potatoes, and other agricultural products. Today they are also sometimes used as sandbags for erosion control. They are usually made from jute or other natural fibers, although modern sacks are often made from polypropylene. Gunny sacks are also popular in the traditional children's game of sack races.
Size
A gunny sack holds approximately 100 pounds of potatoes. Even though gunny sacks are no longer used for that purpose, among Idaho farmers the common measurement unit of potatoes is still the "sack".[1]
Properties
Because gunny sacks are made from natural fibers, some[who?] consider them to be environmentally friendly. They are non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. High breathability allows air to pass through them, which helps packaged grains or other agricultural commodities stay fresh.
Sacks made from jute, hemp and kenaf fiber have high tensile strength. As a result, piling sacks one on top of the other does not tear or distort the yarn of the lowest residing sacks in the pile.[citation needed]
References
- ^ South, David B. Your Potatoes Accessed 2011-02-18.