Gunny sack

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Sack made from hemp burlap

A gunny sack, also known as a gunny shoe, burlap sack, hessian sack or tow sack, is a large

natural fibres, usually in the crude spun form of tow. Modern-day versions of these sacks are often made from synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene
.

The word gunny, meaning coarse fabric, is of Indo-Aryan[1] origin. Reusable gunny sacks, typically holding about 50 kilograms (110 lb), were traditionally used, and continue to be to some extent, for transporting grain, potatoes and other agricultural products. In Australia, these sacks, made of Indian jute, were known traditionally as "hessian sacks", "hessian bags" or "sugar bags."[2]

Gunny sacks are sometimes used as

sandbags for erosion control, especially in emergencies. Up until the latter part of the twentieth century, when they became less common, the sacks were one of the primary tools for fighting grass fires in rural areas, used while soaked with water when available. Gunny sacks are also popular in the traditional children's game of sack racing
.

Size

A gunny sack holds approximately 50 kg (110 lb) of potatoes, and measures 45 inches (110 cm) by 34 inches (86 cm).

measurement unit of potatoes is still the "sack" among farmers in Idaho.[4]

Behind him, thousands of bags are stacked in rows.
Stacks of coffee bags, Ethiopia

See also

References

  1. ^ "gunnysack". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  2. .
  3. ^ "Difference Between Jute Bags and Gunny Bags - Imperial Jute". 5 January 2023.
  4. ^ South, David B. "Protect Your Potatoes". Accessed 2015-06-10.