As a backyard poultry owner, it's essential to be aware of bird flu (avian influenza), a viral disease that can affect both wild and domestic birds. In this article, we’ll discuss the facts about bird flu, how it spreads, and how to ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Livestock, Pests & Disease
Have you ever heard that birds are our modern-day dinosaurs? Wild turkeys certainly have some features that remind us of dinosaurs with their bald heads, large feet and overall large size. Turkeys probably aren’t top of mind when someone ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
In the distance, far from my slowly moving vehicle along Myakka River State Park’s main road, tall, strange silhouettes of robust birds were slowly making their way across the asphalt. Their characteristic strut, reddish-heads, and iridescent ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
In our previous "Turkey Talk" blog posts, we covered how to safely handle frozen and fresh turkeys, along with how to properly thaw a frozen turkey. So, now it's time to talk about how to roast the perfect turkey, one that not only tastes ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![an uncooked, thawed turkey sits on a platter, awaiting cooking. [credit: unsplash.com, hayley ryczek]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2023/11/2023_FCS_turkeyThawedRaw01_unsplashHayleyRyczekCROP1338x357TINY.png)
In our last "Turkey Talk" blog post, we talked about general guidelines for handling fresh and frozen birds. Using the guidance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, let's take a look at the three methods that can be safely used to thaw your ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![an array of wrapped, frozen turkeys in a supermarket display. [credit: flickr.com, dennis sylvester hurd]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2023/11/2023_FCS_frozenTurkeysCanada01_flickrCC0_DennisSylvesterHurdCROP1338x357TINY.png)
It's already half-way through November, and many of us are planning the Thanksgiving menu. As we prepare for the big day, it's important to keep food safety in mind. Whether you are buying a fresh bird or frozen, you need to be aware of how ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life
Caution! Holidays may be hazardous, particularly when it comes to the waistline. (Forethought and forbearance now will pay dividends for your health in the new year.) Often people rationalize, saying “It’s holiday time. I’ll eat ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition
Whether you dine on a traditional holiday meal this year – or opt for something more exotic -- keep safety in mind. That starts with shopping and goes through preparing the feast and storing leftovers. We talked to Keith Schneider, a UF/IFAS ... READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS
Turkey Express: Your Questions Answered Turkey time is right around the corner. Don’t wing it! Here are some questions and answers to get you warmed up for the season. Can you make a turkey in an air fryer? Yes, as long as it fits. ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Grocery prices are currently rising and after preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, it is important to use all of the food. We do not want to waste any of it. One way to do this is to use all of the turkey. After all the favorite parts ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety,