This Spring Think Healthy Greens

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, kale, and bok choy, provide nutrients that help protect you from heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. But leafy greens, like other vegetables and fruits, are sometimes contaminated with […]

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Best gardening practices during COVID-19: Info-graphics!

The Division of Extension has developed info-graphics that depict best practices for gardening in community spaces this summer. A community garden can be a great place to meet new friends and exchange gardening tips. This summer of COVID-19 there are some practices that will keep everyone safe and healthy. Feeling ill? Stay at home. Garden […]

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Food safety at farmers’ markets this summer

Spring is a time when we prepare gardens for new seedlings, clear pots for new flowers, and enjoy fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs and much more. While there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food, take some commonsense precautions and help keep everyone safe and healthy this summer. At […]

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Food Safety in the Time of COVID-19: Food safety is always ‘in season’

As the weather warms, looking ahead to gardening in the weeks and months ahead can be a favorite past-time.  Are there any special precautions that we need to take when growing fruits and vegetables this spring and summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Experts actually recommend preparing the garden and starting seedlings indoors as great […]

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Why is blanching recommended when freezing vegetables?

A short heat process known as blanching is generally recommended before freezing of vegetables. Some canning recipes also call for a short blanching, or heating, step prior to placing vegetables into the jar. Blanching helps to stabilize the color, especially of peas and other green vegetables, and protects flavor and texture. Blanching also helps to […]

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Fruit and Vegetable Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides important health benefits, but it’s important that you select and prepare them safely. Fruits and vegetables add nutrients to your diet that help protect you from heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. In addition, choosing […]

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Safe Preserving: Dry ‘Soup Mix’

Use some of your garden bounty to create a dry ‘soup mix’ for winter months. I make a lot of soup during the fall and winter months. Sometimes my crock pot is busy several times a week with vegetarian chili one day and chicken stew another.  I prefer not to use commercial dry seasoning mixes […]

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