This post comes to you from my makeshift office at the Vinton County Fairgrounds. It’s hot, it’s humid, and there’s no relief in sight. In short- it’s summer! I like each of the four seasons for different reasons, but summer is my absolute favorite. I enjoy the sunshine, the warm temperatures, and all of the […]
Food
Salsa Time
Red, Yellow or Green tomatoes come in many different sizes, shapes and colors, but when it comes to processing them, they are all treated the same. When you are making a particular recipe, look for the qualities that best fit your need. I’ve had several calls about making salsa, so here are a few tips […]
You won’t know if you like it until you try it!
“You won’t know if you like it until you try it.” These words of wisdom come from my 4-year old nephew. Whew! After he said this, I told him he should come work for me because this is one of the main messages we try to share with adults and youth through our nutrition education […]
Sports Drinks Vs. Water: How to Stay Hydrated in the Summer Months
Have you ever wondered whether you should be consuming water or sports drinks while exercising? During the summer, this always becomes a question as the temperature rises and our bodies produce more sweat. You don’t have to look very far to see ads highlighting the newest and best sports beverage. So are the ads true? […]
Acidifying Canned Tomatoes & Tomato Products
You’ve heard us say it before – vegetables and other low acidity foods must be canned in pressure canners in order to reach temperatures high enough to kill harmful microorganisms that would otherwise grow. Many consumers typically think of tomatoes as highly acidic foods. However, due to several factors, including ease in harvesting and consumer […]
What’s Your Local Food Story?
I have fond childhood memories of spending a week or two every summer with my grandparents at their home in the country. Their vegetable garden was probably as large as my current back yard. Although they raised meat and it was usually on the menu, the simple summer suppers I remember most clearly only included […]