World Chocolate Day
![Chocolate treats shown artistically arranged on a serving tray. [CREDIT: Pixabay.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2019/09/2019_FCS_nationalChocolateDay_pixabayCROP1338x357.jpg)
Did you know that July 7 is World Chocolate Day? According to the World Cocoa Foundation, chocolate is the most popular sweet treat in the world, with more than 3 million tons of cocoa beans… Read More
Tag: Nutrition
EVENT: “Sustainable Food and You” webinar
![Produce at a grocery store. [CREDIT: Pixabay.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2021/04/2021_FCS_blogGroceryShopping01_pixabayCROP1338x357.jpg)
Have you ever thought about how you grocery shop? Are you a weekly shopper or do you make several trips during the week to several different stores? Saving money at the grocery store not only… Read More
October is for pumpk… cranberries!
![A stockpile of fresh cranberries. [CREDIT: PIxabay.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogCranberries01_pixabayCROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
If you’re like me, you enjoy the month of October for many reasons, from a love of pumpkin to the beginning of cooler weather, and, of course, enjoying all the winter squash. But, did you… Read More
Getting to know: pumpkin and winter squash
![An array of winter squash in the field [CREDIT: UF/IFAS]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogSquashPumpkin_ifas01CROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
Did you know that squash varieties that are harvested in the fall are known as winter squash? Winter squash has a lot of varieties including acorn, butternut, Hubbard and spaghetti squash and of course it’s… Read More
Pumpkin: It’s about more than just pie
![an array of pumpkins in the field. [CREDIT: UF/IFAS Extension]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogPumpkinsInField_ifas01CROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
October is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s when my favorite winter squash takes center stage: pumpkin! You’ve probably noticed pumpkins popping up everywhere. They’re in Halloween carvings and decorations, of course,… Read More
Get into a school garden, with our workshop series
![A young boy inspects a garden plant with big leaves. [CREDIT: UF/IFAS Extension]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/06/2020_Gardens_blogChildInGarden_ifasCROP1338x357_tiny.jpg)
In recent months, there has been increased interest in gardening and growing food. Fortunately, the Sunshine State’s growing seasons align well with the school year, and Sarasota County abounds with school gardens. Join us Friday for… Read More
Pick up foods, but don’t pick up an illness
In our last blog, we discussed the four core principles of safe food handling. Now, let’s focus on carry-out, prepared foods. Many of us have days packed with activity, and often find it hard to… Read More
Food Label Dates: Cleaning out fading foods
We know that paying attention to the dates on food items is important, and that manufactures provide these dates to tell consumers about quality and, in some cases, food safety. In this last Food Label… Read More
Food Label Dates: Cracking down on egg freshness
In our previous Food Label Dates posts, we talked about some terminology used on the food packaging. But what about eggs? Besides all the different sizes and varieties of eggs, how long do eggs keep… Read More
Food Label Dates: What do all those dates mean?
In the last Food Label Dates post, we discussed why it’s important to pay attention to food product dating. It helps us know if the item is still of good quality, and lets us know… Read More